Description

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"Eve's Diary" is one of the most famous and notable entries in Mark Twain's series purporting to be the diaries of Adam and Eve. Like the others, it is a different take on the classic story; both humorous and thought-provoking, it recreates the famous scene with surprising plausibility and is very enjoyable. This begins somewhat more light-heartedly than the related stories, and is indeed quite funny, but ends with one of the most powerfully affecting love meditations ever. It is hard to read without a tear, and anyone who has ever loved will be profoundly touched. Often seen as a tribute to Twain's recently deceased wife, this is a small masterpiece. Anyone interested in Twain should read it, especially those who enjoyed related pieces, and it is highly recommended for anyone interested in Genesis - and indeed for everyone, as its core element is the most universal of human feelings. Though well worth reading in itself, it is available in collections - The Bible According to Mark Twain, etc. - alongside related pieces and many other works, making a standalone hard to justify.

About the Author

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Mark Twain (1835 -1910) was an American author and humorist. He is noted for his novels Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885), called "the Great American Novel", and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876). Twain grew up in Hannibal, Missouri, which would later provide the setting for Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. He apprenticed with a printer. He also worked as a typesetter and contributed articles to his older brother Orion's newspaper. After toiling as a printer in various cities, he became a master riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River, before heading west to join Orion. He was a failure at gold mining, so he next turned to journalism. While a reporter, he wrote a humorous story, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, which proved to be very popular and brought him nationwide attention. His travelogues were also well-received. Twain had found his calling. He achieved great success as a writer and public speaker. His wit and satire earned praise from critics and peers, and he was a friend to presidents, artists, industrialists, and European royalty. However, he lacked financial acumen. Though he made a great deal of money from his writings and lectures, he squandered it on various ventures, in particular the Paige Compositor, and was forced to declare bankruptcy. With the help of Henry Huttleston Rogers, however, he eventually overcame his financial troubles. Twain worked hard to ensure that all of his creditors were paid in full, even though his bankruptcy had relieved him of the legal responsibility. Born during a visit by Halley's Comet, he died on its return. He was lauded as the "greatest American humorist of his age", and William Faulkner called Twain "the father of American literature".