Adventures of Mark Twain In the West – How I Became an Author

Mark Twain did heroic things as a teenager in troubled times, but he was sworn to keep mum— so he kept his full story from the public for 100 years after his death. Twain’s true story must now be told to help heal the rift in America that continues today. This book tells part of the story — how Mark Twain became an author.

Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) was an irreverent 20-something in the Nevada Territory in 1861, debating state’s rights (& wrongs) with Governor Nye and Sam’s brother, Orion. In 1863, famed humorist, Artemus Ward, taught Twain comedic timing, but Twain’s writing was so caustic in the Territorial Enterprise newspaper he had to run for his life to San Francisco after a duel to the death.

In San Francisco Twain joined a fraternity of Bohemian writers. Led by Bret Harte, they helped define American culture by giving a new voice to our literature. Fritz Hugh Ludlow, author of “The Hasheesh Eaters,” was a mentor. Charles Webb and Charles Stoddard were friends, and enchanting poetess, Ina Coolbrith, was the apex of a love triangle.

Twain was held back from printing his writing about important issues of the day and became suicidal with depression. He had to escape San Francisco for a hiatus in California’s Gold Country, and The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras emerged. This was before Twain went to Hawaii. When he returned to San Francisco, he gave a talk that was so hilarious it defined a new performance genre: Standup Comedy. This book tells the story using Mark Twain’s words, perspective, and droll humor, to bring those events to life.

Mark Twain was sensitive, but bitingly sarcastic; fancifully tongue-in-cheek witty, but serious. He was wise and deeply compassionate for those in need, but he stretched the truth way past its natural range, realizing that: