Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain

Mark Twain's Life on the Mississippi is one of his most celebrated works. A funny and insightful account of life along the great river, Twain spent time traveling the entire length of the Mississippi River in the spring/summer of 1882.

Written originally as a series of articles, Twain's novel provides readers with an engaging, first-hand look at the culture of the area, focusing particularly on the river itself. Twain balances humor and observation, providing an honest and full account of what he experienced during his travels.

As the story begins, Twain is an adult who has returned to the river after a long absence. He had left, when he was a teenager, to join a riverboat pilot for a two-year apprenticeship. So he embarks on a memorial sort of journey, returning to the places he used to go, and retracing his steps from 25 years before.

Twain skips quickly through recollections of his childhood, then dives into his initial return to the river. He talks of the different kinds of steamers they pass and the novel ways in which they are maneuvered. He also provides detailed descriptions of various ports of call; cities, towns, and villages, with greater attention to the latter. Deeply concerned with the cultural, economic, and sociological contrasts between rural, small-town and densely populated cities, Twain describes their histories, their industries, and how they were affected by the river.

Throughout the book, Twain shares his observations and adventures. He encounters numerous people, such as pilots, river dwellers, gamblers, and religious figures. With wry wit, Twain tells tales of his encounters with the outrageous people he meets, often prefacing them with tall tales of his own exploits and adventures on the river.

At the same time, Twain is fair and descriptive, exhibiting a deep understanding and appreciation for the way of life and the culture of the Mississippi River Valley. Many of his observations are still relevant today, as he wrote on the importance of honoring tradition and the romanticism of a simpler lifestyle. Life on the Mississippi gives readers insight into the Mississippi lifestyle of the 19th century and shows Twain's great appreciation of the people and places in the region.

Twain also provides a lighthearted account of the art of piloting and river navigation, giving a sense of both the liveliness of the river and the dangers of navigating it safely. He speaks of the steamboat disasters, and of the depths of the river and its hidden dangers. Before finishing the book, Twain wraps up the story back in St. Louis, where he began.

All in all, Twain offers an engaging and entertaining narrative that includes adventure, humor, and thoughtful observations about the Mississippi Valley region. Life on the Mississippi remains an American classic not only for its humor, but also for its insight into the heart of American life at the time.