How to Tell a Story and Other Essays

*Illustrated with pictures of Twain, his life and work.

*Includes Table of Contents

Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910), better known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American author and humorist best known for his novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876), and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885), the latter often called "the Great American Novel."

Twain grew up in Hannibal, Missouri, which would later provide the setting for Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. He apprenticed with a printer and also worked as a typesetter and contributed articles to his older brother Orion's newspaper. After toiling as a printer in various cities, he became a master riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River before heading west to join Orion. While a reporter, he wrote a humorous story, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, which became very popular and brought nationwide attention. His travelogues were also well-received. Twain had found his calling.


He achieved great success as a writer and public speaker, becoming a national celebrity during his day. His wit and satire earned praise from critics and peers, and he became a friend to presidents, artists, industrialists, and European royalty. 

This edition of How to Tell a Story and Other Essays is specially formatted with a Table of Contents and is illustrated with pictures of the famous writer.