Autobiography of Mark Twain (Book of the Week)
Broadcast on BBC Radio 4
Monday 8 to Friday 12 November 2010 09:45-10:00
Kerry Shale reads Mark Twain's long-awaited autobiography, which is published 100 years after his death.
Twain stated that his autobiography should not be published until 100 years after his death. And, in accordance with his wishes, it has been held under lock and key in the vaults of the University of California until now.
After dozens of false starts Mark Twain embarked on his "Final (and Right) Plan" for telling the story of his life. His innovative notion to "Talk only about the thing which interests you for the moment" meant that his thoughts could range freely.
The strict instruction that these texts remain unpublished for 100 years meant that when they came out, he would be "dead, and unaware, and indifferent" and therefore free to speak his "whole frank mind".
In celebration of the centenary of his death, the University of California Press has released his uncensored autobiography for the first time, exactly as he left it. The author's authentic and unsuppressed voice speaks clearly from the grave as he intended, brimming with humour, ideas and opinions.
Part 1 - Kerry Shale reads from Mark Twain's autobiography.
Part 2 - Mark Twain remembers the annual boyhood visits to his Uncle's farm in Florida.
Part 3 - Mark Twain recounts the fashion for duelling in 1870s Nevada.
Parts 1-3 of 5
Reader/Kerry Shale, Producer/Jane Marshall for Jane Marshall Productions
128kbps 44Khz, runtime 5 x 14 minutes
Replies
CB
Autobiography of Mark Twain
Part 4 - Mark Twain explains the significance of The Morris Incident.
Part 5 - Mark Twain gives his views on the behaviour of American forces in the Philippines.
Reader/Kerry Shale, Producer/Jane Marshall for Jane Marshall Productions
captured from iPlayer, 128kbps 44Khz, runtime 5 x 14 minutes
Autobiography of Mark Twain - 04.mp3
Autobiography of Mark Twain - 05.mp3
Bobbie
Thanks!