The Ordeal of Mark Twain


Read by Lucretia B.

(5 stars; 1 review)

The Ordeal of Mark Twain offers a deep dive into the life and literary evolution of Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. In this insightful biography, Van Wyck Brooks examines the complexities of Twain's character and the factors that shaped his writing, particularly his later works.

Set against the backdrop of Twain's tumultuous personal life, Brooks explores the influences of family and societal expectations that contributed to the author's growing pessimism. The narrative delves into the tension between Twain's creative spirit and the constraints imposed by those closest to him, including his mother and wife.

Through a blend of literary analysis and biographical detail, Brooks presents a nuanced portrait of one of America's most celebrated authors, revealing the struggles that accompanied his genius. This work not only sheds light on Twain's literary contributions but also invites reflection on the broader themes of creativity and personal conflict.

Chapters

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01 - Chapter I - Introductory: Mark Twain's Despair, Part 1 31:26 Read by Lucretia B.
02 - Chapter I - Introductory: Mark Twain's Despair, Part 2 36:25 Read by Lucretia B.
03 - Chapter II - The Candidate for Life, Part 1 32:20 Read by Lucretia B.
04 - Chapter II - The Candidate for Life, Part 2 38:58 Read by Lucretia B.
05 - Chapter III - The Gilded Age, Part 1 31:16 Read by Lucretia B.
06 - Chapter III - The Gilded Age, Part 2 30:44 Read by Lucretia B.
07 - Chapter IV - In the Crucible, Part 1 39:37 Read by Lucretia B.
08 - Chapter IV - In the Crucible, Part 2 39:23 Read by Lucretia B.
09 - Chapter V - The Candidate for Gentility, Part 1 38:27 Read by Lucretia B.
10 - Chapter V - The Candidate for Gentility, Part 2 42:42 Read by Lucretia B.
11 - Chapter VI - Everybody's Neighbor, Part 1 29:04 Read by Lucretia B.
12 - Chapter VI - Everybody's Neighbor, Part 2 30:16 Read by Lucretia B.
13 - Chapter VII - The Playboy in Letters, Part 1 43:03 Read by Lucretia B.
14 - Chapter VII - The Playboy in Letters, Part 2 44:06 Read by Lucretia B.
15 - Chapter VIII - Those Extraordinary Twins, Part 1 29:49 Read by Lucretia B.
16 - Chapter VIII - Those Extraordinary Twins, Part 2 28:50 Read by Lucretia B.
17 - Chapter IX - Mark Twain's Humor, Part 1 32:27 Read by Lucretia B.
18 - Chapter IX - Mark Twain's Humor, Part 2 33:24 Read by Lucretia B.
19 - Chapter X - Let Somebody Else Begin, Part 1 38:21 Read by Lucretia B.
20 - Chapter X - Let Somebody Else Begin, Part 2 37:56 Read by Lucretia B.
21 - Chapter XI - Mustered Out, Part 1 32:42 Read by Lucretia B.
22 - Chapter XI - Mustered Out, Part 2 33:02 Read by Lucretia B.