Speeches (1910) (The ^AOxford Mark Twain) - Hardcover

Twain, Mark; Fishkin, Shelley Fisher

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195101588 ISBN 13: 9780195101584

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1996

Synopsis

One of the most renowned public speakers of his day, Mark Twain was often asked to give speeches to mark public holidays or important anniversaries, for school graduations, at banquets for distinguished visitors, and at events sponsored by charitable organizations, reform groups, and the like. Published a few months after his death, this wide-ranging collection of speeches, spanning more than four decades, covers the gamut of Mark Twain's interests. Here are speeches on women's rights, on cigars and billiards, and on the extension of the copyright law. We find occasional pieces, banquet toasts and introductions that, in addition to being amusing in themselves, provide a vivid glimpse of nineteenth- and early twentieth-century social rituals. Also present are some of Twain's most controversial and daring speeches, such as the notorious "Whittier Birthday" Speech, in which he poked fun at three giants of New England literary culture to the horror of his audience; and "The Babies," which closes with a memorable image of the guest of honor: an infant Ulysses S. Grant attempting to put his toe in his mouth.

About this title

About the Author:

Shelley Fisher Fishkin, Professor of American Studies, University of Texas, Austin.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0195101588
• ISBN 13: 9780195101584
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 528