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American History Tellers

Great American Authors | Mark Twain: Voice of a Nation | 3

Dec 6, 2023
Mark Twain, famous author, discusses his early life on the Mississippi River and rise as a renowned writer. Topics include his social issue exposés, financial struggles, and contradictory views on wealth. Also mentioned are his contrarian stance on imperialism and U.S. interventions abroad, as well as his impact on American literature.
41:54

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Mark Twain's experiences as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River served as inspiration for his iconic novels.
  • Despite his literary success, Mark Twain faced financial ruin due to failed investments and his extravagant lifestyle.

Deep dives

Mark Twain's Beginnings and Apprenticeship on the Mississippi River

In 1857, 21-year-old Samuel Clemens, later known as Mark Twain, convinced a steamboat pilot to take him on as an apprentice on the Mississippi River. Over the next two years, Clemens learned the intricacies of navigating the treacherous waterway, honing his storytelling skills as he encountered colorful characters along the journey. His experiences on the river would later serve as inspiration for his iconic novels.

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