A Family Sketch and Other Private Writings

Mark Twain is an icon, an American legend, and one of the sharpest wits to ever walk the earth. His public side has been extensively studied, but what about his private life? A Family Sketch and Other Private Writings offers the reader a rare treat: a glimpse into the home life of one of America’s greatest authors…in his own words.

And not just his! His wife Livy and daughter Susy both feature prominently within the pages of this book, and the three of them offer fascinating insight into Twain as a father, a husband, and a friend. Whether it’s Susy writing an intimate autobiography of her father or Twain transforming a tribute to his daughter’s too-soon passing into a rousing look at her life, this is first and foremost a treasure trove of small family moments immortalized forever.

As editor, Griffin tries to stay out of his subjects’ way, allowing their words to speak for themselves. And when you’re dealing with a family of Twains, that’s a smart move. Twain’s wit is as keen as ever, but the real gems in this book come from his daughters, who frequently one-up their famous father.