One of a series of works aimed at presenting contemporary critical opinion on major American authors, this volume contains critical studies of Mark Twain. Designed for use by both literary critics and secondary and college teachers of English, this work would also be of value to undergraduate and graduate students of literature. Topics covered include "The Man,""The Writer,""Autobiographical Works,""Travel,""Historical Novels,""American Novels,""Boy Literature," and "Other Writings.""Other Writings" include a discussion of polemic pieces on literary figures of the past, a Biblical parody, and a group of essays and stories with a predominantly philosophical and moral cast. A chronology of important dates in Twain's life, an extensive selected bibliography, indexes, and illustrations supplement the text. (RB)