Description
Book SynopsisSmith offers an engaging biography of one of the world's most inspiring, humorous, and provocative authors. He analyzes Mark Twain's constantly changing views of Christianity, humanity, the afterlife, and other theological topics, thereby providing a window into the spiritual crisis of the Gilded Age.
Trade ReviewIn his masterful analysis of Twain's life and thought, Smith examines Twain's changing theological views as well his attitudes toward the moral corruption and indifference of his day. More broadly, Smith's insightful study offers a window into the nature and role of Protestantism in Gilded Age American culture and its complex relationship with economic exploitation, imperialism, political greed, poverty, and racism...Crisply written and richly documented, Smith's engaging biography makes an outstanding contribution to American religious history. * Paul Kemeny, Journal of Ecclesiastical History *
This book possesses two conspicuous strengths. First, it amply demonstrates the Jekyll and Hyde quality of Twain's approach to orthodox Christianity, Secondly, this book vividly displays the trifold social function of Twain's speaking and writings...Smith convinces the reader that Twain was indeed a social philosopher thinking and writing about the most pressing problems of his era. * Matthew Turnbull, Mark Twain Journal *
The book is an exciting revision of Twain as a thinker about religion, if not a religious thinker. This book is a solid guide to Twain's lifelong struggle with religious ideas. * J. W. Miller, Gonzaga University, Choice Connect *
Table of ContentsAbbreviations of Frequently Cited Persons and Works 1: Introduction 2: 1835-1860: Life Along and On the Mississippi 3: The 1860s: Journalism, a Pilgrimage, and Courtship 4: The 1870s: Hartford as a Religious Haven 5: The 1880s: In Hartford as In Heaven 6: The 1890s: A Troubled Time 7: The 1900s: Trying to Make Sense of Life 8: Conclusion Selected Bibliography
