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Mark Twain's Letters — Volume 2 (1867-1875)

By Mark Twain

Summary of Mark Twain's Letters — Volume 2 (1867-1875)

The book is a collection of letters written by Mark Twain between 1867 and 1875, providing a unique perspective on his personal and professional life during this period. The letters reveal Twain's experiences as a traveler, writer, and lecturer, as well as his struggles with debt and financial stability. The book covers significant events in Twain's life, including his travels on the Quaker City, his engagement and marriage to Olivia Langdon, and the birth of his son Langdon. Twain's humor and wit are evident throughout the letters, which also provide insight into his writing process and relationships with friends and colleagues, such as William Dean Howells and Thomas Bailey Aldrich. The letters also touch on Twain's work on notable books, including "The Innocents Abroad", "Roughing It", and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", as well as his plays and articles. Overall, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and writing of one of America's most beloved authors during a pivotal period in his career.

Chapter Summary of Mark Twain's Letters — Volume 2 (1867-1875)

VII. LETTERS 1867. THE TRAVELER. THE VOYAGE OF THE “QUAKER CITY”

The chapter consists of a series of letters written by Mark Twain between 1867 and 1871. The letters provide insight into Twain's personal and professional life during this period, including his travels, writing, and relationships. In 1867, Twain traveled on the Quaker City, a ship that sailed from New York to the Holy Land, and wrote letters about his experiences to his family and friends. He also wrote letters to the editor of the Sacramento Union, which were later compiled into his book "The Innocents Abroad". In 1868, Twain became engaged to Olivia Langdon and married her in 1870. He also began working on a new book, "Roughing It", and wrote letters to his publisher, Elisha Bliss, about the project. Twain's letters also reveal his struggles with debt and his decision to return to the lecture circuit to earn money. Throughout the chapter, Twain's humor and wit are evident in his letters, which provide a unique perspective on his life and writing during this period.

VIII. LETTERS 1867-68. WASHINGTON AND SAN FRANCISCO. THE PROPOSED BOOK OF TRAVEL. A NEW LECTURE.

The chapter consists of letters written by Mark Twain between 1867 and 1868. During this period, Twain traveled on the Quaker City, a ship that sailed from New York to the Holy Land, and wrote letters about his experiences to his family and friends. He also wrote letters to the editor of the Sacramento Union, which were later compiled into his book "The Innocents Abroad". In 1868, Twain became engaged to Olivia Langdon and began working on a new book, "Roughing It". The letters reveal Twain's struggles with debt and his decision to return to the lecture circuit to earn money. Throughout the chapter, Twain's humor and wit are evident in his letters, which provide a unique perspective on his life and writing during this period.

IX. LETTERS 1868-70. COURTSHIP, AND “THE INNOCENTS ABROAD”

The chapter consists of letters written by Mark Twain between 1868 and 1870, during which time he was courting Olivia Langdon and working on his book "The Innocents Abroad". The letters provide insight into Twain's personal and professional life, including his relationships, writing, and financial struggles. Twain's humor and wit are evident in his letters, which also reveal his concerns about his career and financial stability. The chapter also includes letters written during Twain's time in Buffalo, where he was working as a journalist and struggling to balance his writing with his personal life. Overall, the letters provide a unique perspective on Twain's life and writing during this period.

X. LETTERS 1870-71. MARK TWAIN IN BUFFALO. MARRIAGE. THE BUFFALO EXPRESS. “MEMORANDA.” LECTURES. A NEW BOOK.

The chapter consists of letters written by Mark Twain between 1870 and 1871. During this period, Twain was married to Olivia Langdon and was living in Buffalo, New York. He had given up lecturing and was focused on writing and editing the Buffalo Express. However, he soon became dissatisfied with his life in Buffalo and decided to sell his interest in the Express and move to Hartford, Connecticut. Twain's letters reveal his struggles with debt, his desire to write a new book, and his decision to return to the lecture circuit to earn money. He also writes about his family, including the birth of his son Langdon, and his relationships with friends and colleagues, such as Thomas Bailey Aldrich and James Redpath. Throughout the chapter, Twain's humor and wit are evident in his letters, which provide a unique perspective on his life and writing during this period.

XI. LETTERS 1871-72. REMOVAL TO HARTFORD. A LECTURE TOUR. “ROUGHING IT.” FIRST LETTER TO HOWELLS.

Mark Twain's life during the period of 1871-1875 is marked by significant events and writings. He moves to Hartford, Connecticut, and begins a new lecture tour, during which he delivers his "Artemus Ward, Humorist" lecture. He also starts working on his book "Roughing It" and writes to his publisher, Elisha Bliss, about the project. Twain's letters to his friends and family, including William Dean Howells and Dr. John Brown, provide insight into his personal and professional life. He discusses his writing, his family, and his travels, including a trip to England, where he is received with great honor and attention. Twain also begins working on a new book, "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," and writes several articles for the Atlantic Monthly, including "Old Times on the Mississippi." His correspondence with Howells and other friends and family members reveals his thoughts on writing, literature, and life in general.

XII. LETTERS 1872-73. MARK TWAIN IN ENGLAND. LONDON HONORS. ACQUAINTANCE WITH DR. JOHN BROWN. A LECTURE TRIUMPH. “THE GILDED AGE”.

The chapter consists of a series of letters written by Mark Twain between 1872 and 1875. The letters provide insight into Twain's personal and professional life during this period, including his travels, writing, and relationships. In 1872, Twain traveled to England, where he was received with great honor and attention. He wrote to his wife, Olivia, and friends, including William Dean Howells, about his experiences and plans. Twain also worked on several writing projects, including a book about his travels and a play based on his novel "The Gilded Age." He collaborated with Charles Warner on the play, which was a success. Twain's letters also reveal his struggles with debt and his decision to return to the lecture circuit to earn money. Throughout the chapter, Twain's humor and wit are evident in his letters, which provide a unique perspective on his life and writing during this period.

XIII. LETTERS 1874. HARTFORD AND ELMIRA. A NEW STUDY. BEGINNING “TOM SAWYER.” THE SELLERS PLAY.

The chapter consists of letters written by Mark Twain in 1874, during which time he was living in Hartford and Elmira. The letters provide insight into his personal and professional life, including his relationships, writing, and financial struggles. Twain writes about his new study, his work on "Tom Sawyer," and his play, "The Gilded Age." He also discusses his financial situation, his wife's health, and his desire to return to the Mississippi River. The letters reveal Twain's humor, wit, and creativity, as well as his concerns about his career and financial stability. Additionally, the chapter includes letters to notable figures such as William Dean Howells, Dr. John Brown, and Charles Langdon, showcasing Twain's friendships and literary connections.

XIV. LETTERS 1874. MISSISSIPPI CHAPTERS. VISITS TO BOSTON. A JOKE ON ALDRICH.

The chapter consists of letters written by Mark Twain in 1874, during which time he was living in Hartford and visiting Boston. He writes to his friends and family, including William Dean Howells, Thomas Bailey Aldrich, and his wife Olivia, about his personal and professional life. He discusses his writing, including his work on "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and his series of articles about his time as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River. He also talks about his social life, including his visits to Boston and his interactions with other writers and intellectuals. Additionally, he writes about his family, including his wife and daughters, and his concerns about his brother Orion's financial struggles. Throughout the chapter, Mark Twain's humor and wit are evident in his letters, which provide a unique perspective on his life and writing during this period.

XV. LETTERS FROM HARTFORD, 1875. MUCH CORRESPONDENCE WITH HOWELLS.

The chapter consists of a series of letters written by Mark Twain in 1875, during which time he was living in Hartford and corresponding with his friend William Dean Howells. The letters provide insight into Twain's personal and professional life, including his writing, relationships, and financial struggles. Twain discusses his work on various projects, including his book "Tom Sawyer" and a play, and seeks Howells' opinion on his writing. The letters also reveal Twain's humorous and witty personality, as well as his concerns about his career and financial stability. Additionally, the chapter includes letters to other notable figures, such as Charles Langdon and Dr. John Brown, showcasing Twain's friendships and literary connections.