Mark Twain and Philosophy (Great Authors and Philosophy) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1442261714 ISBN 13: 9781442261716

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2017

Synopsis

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. Twain’s body of work, however, is expansive; from Adventures of Tom Sawyer and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s 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 America’s 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 Twain’s 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 Twain’s body of work touches every corner of human experience.

About this title

About the Author

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).

Review

Goldman (College of William and Mary) is a philosopher, and in this introductory study of philosophy, he uses Twain’s texts as material. The 15 essays are organized into five sections. The first and strongest, “Morality in Huckleberry Finn,” centers on Huck’s developing conscience in relation to moral principles. “Twain on Religion” examines Twain’s late writing critical of the Bible and organized religion. “Moral Issues” analyzes Twain’s 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)

About this edition

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1442261714
• ISBN 13: 9781442261716
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 264
• Editor: Goldman William R. Kenan Jr. Professor Of Humanities And Philosophy College Of Wil Alan