02 - The Ordeal of Mark Twain by Van Wyck Brooks

The Ordeal of Mark Twain delves into the literary evolution of Samuel L. Clemens, exploring how his mother and wife contributed to his struggles. According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Brooks analysis serves as a psychological study, suggesting that Twains emotional repression—stemming from his Calvinist upbringing—stifled his artistic genius. Brooks poignantly notes that with the success of Innocents Abroad, Twain was thrust into the Gilded Age, embarking on a tumultuous journey through a society that mirrored his own blind pursuit of success. Yet, Brooks also warns of a darker truth Twains unexpressed literary spirit, akin to a malignant inner growth, ultimately poisoned his entire spiritual system. This begs a provocative question What extraordinary works might an unrestrained Mark Twain have created? For a recording of a New York Times review of this book, please follow this link Review (John Greenman & Wikipedia).