These funny stories that Twain used professionally or reserved for friends progress chronologically from old-fashioned belly-laughs to political wit. They reflect a shift in national taste as America turned from an aural to a visual popular culture.

"A wonderfully funny and valuable collection." —Nineteenth Century Fiction

"This collection, along with Zall's commentary, make for a fine, amusing, and revealing sampling of America's unique raconteur. The gem of America's traditional humor glistens in this important collection." —Come All Ye

"A sparkling collection of anecdotes by and about Mark Twain." —Kirkus

About the Author

P. M. Zall (1922–2010), was professor emeritus of American studies at California State University and a research scholar at the Huntington Library in San Marino, California. Among his other books are A Hundred Merry Tales and Other Jestbooks of the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries and The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: A Genetic Text.

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