MAIN Holidays & Observances The Year of Mark Twain

Why celebrate Mark Twain in 2010?

The author, also known as Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was born November 30, 1835 and died April 21, 1910. That means 2010 marks both the 175th anniversary of his birth, and the 100th anniversary of his death.

In addition, (as if we needed another reason) 2010 also marks the 125th anniversary of his most oft-quoted and famous work, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

It's little wonder, then, that for Mark Twain fans in the US and around the world .... it's time to celebrate!

As one of the nation's most insightful writers, Mark Twain endures as a unique wit and an American original.

Creator of memorable fictional characters such as Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer, The Prince and The Pauper, and The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, the prolific author was also responsible for memorable travelogues, essays, and personal memoirs in such works as Life on the Mississippi as well as the ultimate bestseller during his lifetime, Innocents Abroad.

Rebellious, cantankerous Mark Twain

While most of us are introduced to Twain's most famous books in grade school, those who stick closely by the author throughout his 40-year career are usually rewarded with an added treat.

His most direct, grown-up and laugh-out-loud satires, for example, take on religion, (Reflections) politics (The Battle Hymn of the Republic, Updated) and the human condition itself.

Meanwhile, What Is Man?, is regarded by Twain fans today as going beyond satirical to almost reach the level of honest-to-goodness Zen mastery.

The quotable Mark Twain

"Write the way you talk" is a quote often attributed to the writer whose words continue to ring true even as he plants tongue firmly in cheek. In short, to read the man is to know him:

"Truth is mighty and will prevail. There is nothing the matter with this, except that it ain't so." Mark Twain's Notebook

"Its name is Public Opinion. It is held in reverence. It settles everything. Some think it is the voice of God." Europe and Elsewhere

"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics." Autobiography

"When angry, count four; when very angry, swear." The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely." Innocents Abroad

"All kings is mostly rapscallions." The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

"There is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress." Following the Equator

"Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand." The Mysterious Stranger

Year of Mark Twain 2010

While a petition is being circulated to call on Washington to make 2010 an official US celebration (as Twain probably rolls in his grave) nationwide towns and cities are already preparing with performances, songs, stories, and antics celebrating his life and work.

More notable regional celebrations are naturally planned in the author's birthplace in Hannibal Missouri, as well as in the place that Mark Twain called home for over 20 years, Hartford, Connecticut.

Elmira, New York (where Twain spent his summers and today the location of his gravesite) will also be at the center of year-long celebrations.

Months-long schedules of book club readings, art exhibits, theater presentations, dance performances, and musical tributes are already set to honor "Twain & Twang" in Nashville, Tennessee, while in Hollywood film tributes are underway that tell the story of Mark Twain and Mary Baker Eddy, starring and directed by actor Val Kilmer.

More about Mark Twain around the Web:

Mark Twain - Wikipedia - The complete biography including his early life, writing career, a discussion on his outspoken religious and political views, bibliography, related photos, references and resources.

Mark Twain Project - For serious Twain fans and scholars including citable references, photos, unpublished letters, a selection of biographies and related resources.

PBS - Mark Twain: A Film Directed by Ken Burns - The public TV special archived, in a fun and interactive scrapbook detailing the Mark Twain's life and times in words and photos, including suggested classroom activities, related resources.

Mark Twain quotations - The quotable Twain over dozens of pages, browseable by subject matter, including rare newspaper articles and special features, related resources.

Mark Twain: Portraits - TIME Magazine photo essay on the author with more than a dozen contemporary photos taken throughout his lifetime.

also see in Art & Culture Literature -> Humor & Satire

also see in Society -> 19th century history