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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 1

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Factual: Life Stories

Autobiography of Mark Twain

Episode 1

BBC Radio 4 - Book of the Week, Autobiography of Mark Twain, Episode 1

Kerry Shale reads from Mark Twain's autobiography.

4 Extra Debut. Published 100 years after his death, Mark Twain's autobiography released by the University of California. Read by Kerry Shale.

Read by Kerry Shale. After dozens of false starts Mark Twain embarked on his "Final (and Right) Plan" for telling the story of his life. His innovative notion to "Talk only about the thing which interests you for the moment" meant that his thoughts could range freely. 

The strict instruction that these texts remain unpublished for 100 years meant that when they came out, he would be "dead, and unaware, and indifferent" and therefore free to speak his "whole frank mind". 

In celebration of the centenary of his death, the University of California Press have released his uncensored autobiography for the first time, exactly as he left it. The author's authentic and unsuppressed voice speaks clearly from the grave as he intended, brimming with humour, ideas and opinions. 

Abridged by Jane Marshall Productions

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

BBC Radio 4

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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