This book introduces Mark Twain through close readings of his seven major works, including Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, Connecticut Yankee and Pudd nhead Wilson. Introduces Mark Twain through close readings of his seven major works, including Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, Connecticut Yankee and Pudd nhead Wilson. Investigates the tension between the real-life person, Samuel Clemens, and the fictional person, Mark Twain. Provides an original reading of Twain s obsession with performance and popularity. Analyses the significance of Twain s books for American culture and identity. Illustrated with images from first editions of Twain s works. A short appendix directs readers to the author s award-winning website on Mark Twain in his Times .