1835-1910Mark Twain

Mark Twain has always been one of my favorite authors. Few authors of his time, if any, had the wit and observational skills that Twain was able to exert too his pen. I would highly recommend any of his novels, from the highly popular books like Tom Sawyer down to the short stories, two of which I include in this section of my website. I hope you enjoy.

Daniel

The Awful German Language — from A Tramp Abroad: I went often to look at the collection of curiosities in Heidelberg Castle, and one day I surprised the keeper of it with my German. I spoke entirely in that language. He was greatly interested; and after I had talked a while he said my German was very rare, possibly a "unique"; and wanted to add it to his museum.... more

The War Prayer: It was a time of great and exalting excitement. The country was up in arms, the war was on, in every breast burned the holy fire of patriotism; the drums were beating, the bands playing, the toy pistols popping, the bunched firecrackers hissing and spluttering; on every hand and far down the receding and fading spread of roofs and balconies a fluttering wilderness of flags flashed in the sun; daily the young volunteers marched down the wide avenue gay and fine in their new uniforms, the proud fathers and mothers and sisters and sweethearts ... more