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Book of the Week

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Serialised book readings, featuring works from various genres

Serialised book readings, featuring works of non-fiction, biography, autobiography, travel, diaries, essays, humour and history

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Book of the Week: Autobiography of Mark Twain

Book of the Week: Autobiography of Mark Twain: Episode 5

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Autobiography of Mark Twain

Episode 5

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, Autobiography of Mark Twain, Episode 5

Mark Twain gives his views on the behaviour of American forces in the Philippines.

The Moro incident. Mark Twain speaks his mind on the conduct of the American forces in the Philippines. Read by Kerry Shale.

Read by Kerry Shale. Mark Twain maintained that the proper material for an autobiography was to talk about the things that interest you for the moment, as your views on this or that would give an insight into your character. 

He also decreed that his autobiography should not be published until he'd been dead for 100 years so that he could feel free to speak his "whole frank mind." And his outspoken views on the Moro incident, and the conduct of the American forces in the Philippines, certainly show a very different side to the man who is famous for his childhood classics. 

Abridged by Jane Marshall Productions

Producer: Jane Marshall
A Jane Marshall Production for BBC Radio 4.

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Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

...Twain. Kerry Shale reads from Mark Twain's autobiography

Kerry Shale reads from Mark Twain's autobiography, which he forbade to be published until 100 years after his death.

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