02 - Mark Twains (Burlesque) Autobiography and First Romance by Mark Twain

Dive into the whimsical world of Mark Twain with his third book, Mark Twains (Burlesque) Autobiography and First Romance, published by Sheldon & Co. in 1871. This short volume features two captivating stories First Romance, originally published in The Express in 1870, and A Burlesque Autobiography, a playful take that bears no resemblance to Twains real life. These tales introduce fictional characters purported to be part of Twains lineage. In a clever twist, Twain builds tension to a dramatic climax, only to leave readers hanging with the humorous admission of his storytelling struggles The truth is, I have got my hero (or heroine) into such a particularly close place... I will wash my hands of the whole business. Adding to the charm are illustrations that, while unrelated to the text, cleverly lampoon the Erie Railroad Ring through cartoons based on the childrens poem The House that Jack Built. Interestingly, Twain was not fond of this work; two years post-publication, he purchased all printing plates and destroyed them. (Introduction by Wikipedia)