Mark Twain and Philosophy

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Mark Twain, the Father of American Literature, and renowned humorist, satirist, and commentator on humanity and American life, is best known for his classic, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Twains body of work, however, is expansive; from Adventures of Tom Sawyer and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court to the travelogue The Innocents Abroad and essays on human nature, religion, science, and literature, no aspect of life is left untouched by Twain. His portrayal of American life, ripe with the contradictions of Americas ideals and its actual practices, as well as his characters, at once fantastical and completely human, provide a window onto humanity and social life. As the third book in the Great Authors and Philosophy series, Mark Twain and Philosophy reveals deeper issues raised by Twains work and speaks to his continued relevance as a social commentator interrogating issues fundamental to our lives. From slavery, freedom, and human rights, to science, parapsychology, and religion, this book exposes how Twains body of work touches every corner of human experience.

Reviews

Goldman (College of William and Mary) is a philosopher, and in this introductory study of philosophy, he uses Twains texts as material. The 15 essays are organized into five sections. The first and strongest, Morality in Huckleberry Finn, centers on Hucks developing conscience in relation to moral principles. Twain on Religion examines Twains late writing critical of the Bible and organized religion. Moral Issues analyzes Twains views on lying and animal rights. Literary Devices explains his usage of humor, satire, and irony. Finally, Comparison to Other Philosophers looks at Twain in relation to Diogenes, the Epicureans, Nietzsche, Hume, and Edward Bullough. All the essays are thoughtful and clearly written, and the collection is ideal for nonspecialists. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates through faculty; general readers. * CHOICE *

Author Bio

Alan Goldman is the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Philosophy at the College of William & Mary. He has written extensively on philosophy and popular culture, literature, morality, love, and beauty. His most recent books include Philosophy and the Novel (2013) and Reasons from Within: Desires and Values (2009).