Mark Twain - The Later Years | Biographical Documentary

While I've never been able to get into his novels, I've thoroughly enjoyed Twain's travel writings, essays and short stories. A humorist with a tragic life story.

Oh, yes: another fine episode. Please don't stop making these.

He sounds like a resilient man, who for all his errors in judgment, never gave up on himself, and seems to have always been open to learning and changing. Definitely someone from history I’d love to meet. Brilliant video!

Of all the great writers that are and have been, Mr. Clemens is far and above my favorite. Thank you for this dive into his history ❣️

Thanks for this analysis. I’d add that his “War Prayer” is one of the most powerful anti-war pieces of writing I have encountered.

Wow, thank you for such a well-balanced profile of the great Mark Twain! You put so much work into these biographies and they are so enjoyable to watch. They spark a renewed interest to learn more about these incredible people and I'm very glad to hear your opinion on some of the modern spins and revisionist histories being written. I would prefer simply to re-read his works before the PC police try to prevent us from reading them at all. I can't imagine how a sensitive person such as he was dealt with all the personal losses in his life. I can imagine that his collection of young girls was an attempt to bring joy, innocence and beauty back to his aching heart rather than anything salacious but I don't think anyone will ever know for sure. He sure loved having adventures and traveling, observing and being celebrated while he was alive. He was also a person who recognized injustices and wanted to change the world. A very rich life if you ask me. Again, thank you for your excellent biographical sketch!

My great,great grandmother lived across the street from young Sam. She became Becky Thatcher in Tom Sawyer and they visited each other in Hannibal. She was a witness at Orion wedding. I grew up with Mark Twain,a truly great American original. Thanks for your video.

The quote at the end about life and age is so true yet so sobering….

Another interesting aspect of Twain was his railing atheism, which I've always doubted he believed. His anger against God was personal anger, and it's hard to be angry at a non-existent person. Twain was horrified when Livy told him that his atheism had persuaded her. In the last weeks of his life, he was taken care of by members of a local Presbyterian church. He was grateful for this, and told a friend that it wasn't what he didn't understand about the Bible which scared him, it was what he did understand.

Always enjoy your biographical videos. Recently I ran across a quote that was something like, "It used to be that the facts would change our opinions. Now we use our opinions to change the facts." It sounded very Twain-ish to me, something he'd say in our new age of "my truth" in place of the truth. I really enjoy your historical medicine videos. The ancient Egyptian medicine videos were fascinating. I wonder if you plan more along the lines of the hisory of science/medicine? Thanks for your work!

Ah, here it is, Professor! Thanks. I've been looking forward to it.

Well done as always!

Following the Equator is one of my favorite books! You can really see his views come forward, as well as some of his views starting to change from the sights he sees.

I saw the Twain shorts and wondered why I hadn't heard from you lately. I'm subbed, but I just opted for the notifications. Your material is thought provoking and I often learn something about people I thought I knew.

This Twain program was your best.

In his recently published autobiography with many of his letters, he writes about his brothers (imo obvious bi-polar) Orions mental anguish and troubles all his life. It’s the most beautiful, kindest writing of that affliction I’ve ever read. Check it out if you can find it. Also, don’t forget his letters back & forth to Helen Keller . So moving and absolutely brilliant from both. I’d love to hear what you think of them Thanks again. Great series!

A major celebrity ( narc? ) of another bygone era who wrote about the 'Gilded Age" which still exists today, in other ways! I think he collected those sweet little girls because of the profound loss of his two daughters and the loss of his beloved wife. I had three daughters and lost one to Covid19 at age 41 after she had been in a coma like state since she was 25, for 16 years so I know to a degree that kind of great loss, something one never gets over! You can move on and find happiness again, but it's always there sitting on your shoulder! One learns to make friends with grief! Thankfully, I'm close with my other two grown daughters and two beautiful granddaughters, the oldest one my late daughter's. Wish I had gotten to his great big beautiful Victorian home in Hartford, but at least one can tour it online on their website, second best thing to being there! May they all rest in peace~💜💜💜💜💜💜

I've always been a admirer of Mark Twain. I thought I knew something about his life. How wrong I was. This biography is incredibly informative and so well researched. Full of fascinating information about a truly remarkable man. Many thanks to you for this wonderful bio of Mr. Twain. 💙

Thank you for all of the aspects of your presentation on Twain, especially your music choices. I've always loved his irreverent writing. Best wishes from an American woman in beautiful France.

Loved it, thank you. You make my morning commute from the Mornington Peninsula to Melbourne and absolute pleasure as well as an education.