Mark Twain and the Colonel
Samuel L. Clemens, Theodore Roosevelt, and the Arrival of a New Century
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- £13.99
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- £13.99
Publisher Description
In Mark Twain and the Colonel, Philip McFarland tells the story of the rich years of American history between 1890 and 1910 through the fully engaged involvement of two of its most vital participants.
The narrative unfolds in six sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the United States of the early twentieth century that continues to matter to this day: America as an imperialist nation, America as a continental nation, America as a racial nation, America as a corporate nation, America at home, and America striving for peace.
In this short span of years, the America of the late nineteenth century will move substantially closer to the America we know today, thanks in part to the influence and actions of Mark Twain and Theodore Roosevelt, two of the most influential figures of the age.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Though America's most famous satirist and the 26th president seldom came into direct contact, here McFarland (Loves of Harriet Beecher Stowe) presents the duo as dynamic foils, indicative of the social and political growing pains of the country. Differences in background and beliefs abounded: Roosevelt was an expansionist; Twain was a staunch anti-imperialist. The politician "spurn idleness, to an extent that amazed those who knew him;" the humorist embraced "the gypsy-like leaving behind of responsibilities." Perhaps most telling of their disparate social roles is their handling of racial issues while Twain grew vocally outraged at "The United States of Lyncherdom," Roosevelt fretted about losing the Southern vote. McFarland doesn't shy away from the complex notions each man had of the other Twain called Roosevelt "one of the most likeable men that I am acquainted with," and also "far and away the worst president we have ever had." In addition to being a compelling duel biography, McFarland makes full use of Twain and Roosevelt's specific moment in time, using their opinions, vitriol, and praises to explore varying sides of issues that belabored the United States at the turn of the 20th century. Photos.
