Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow is celebrated for his expansive biographies of significant historical figures such as Ulysses S. Grant and Alexander Hamilton. Therefore, it’s no surprise that his biography of the author and humorist Mark Twain exceeds 1,000 pages.
Given Twain’s monumental presence in American literature and history, it is also understandable that his authorized biographies have surpassed 1,500 pages.
Chernow’s “Mark Twain” justifies its length by providing an in-depth look at the writer famously known for bringing to life Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
Chernow effectively presents Twain as a precursor to the modern-day influencer, someone who “invented our celebrity culture,” not hesitating to monetize his fame. His name was used to market everything from cigars to pipes.
Yet, Twain is equally remembered for his sharp wit and his perspectives on his work. As Chernow aptly describes him, he was someone who “would intertwine with others, make enemies, and openly voice what many only thought.”
Chernow’s biography sidesteps the pitfall of idolizing Twain, offering a candid evaluation of the author’s life, including his shortcomings and contradictions.
While he is admired for tackling the evils of slavery in “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” Twain also refrained from vocally opposing the practice of lynching. Chernow notes that this silence represented a substantial missed opportunity to foster public discourse.
Chernow also explores the troubling aspects of Twain’s later fixation on a teenage girl, with whom he developed an intimate friendship, referring to her as “Angelfish.”
Chernow’s readiness to confront the uncomfortable truths about Twain distinguishes this biography. Even Twain’s lesser-known works are thoughtfully addressed.
In Chernow’s narrative, Twain emerges vividly, alongside his complex and often challenging relationship with his daughter.
The book occasionally loses momentum, which is common in lengthy works, yet it powerfully conveys how intimately Twain’s words were tied to his life experiences. Chernow reflects, “The words were his catharsis, his treatment, his craving for revenge.”
A recurring theme in Chernow’s biographies is the profound connection between Twain’s literary output and his love life, illustrating how this relationship shaped the nation.
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Source: apnews.com