Cover of The ordeal of Mark Twain

Van Wyck Brooks

The ordeal of Mark Twain

1920

Van Wyck Brooks argues that Mark Twain's artistic potential was stunted and corrupted by the materialistic pressures and cultural limitations of American society. The book presents a psychological analysis of how Twain's environment and personal circumstances prevented him from achieving his full literary greatness.

American AuthorsBiographyTwain, Mark, 1835-1910.Twain, Mark, 1835-1910