Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Mark Twain


Cover art for MARK TWAIN AND THE COLONEL
NONFICTION
Released: July 16, 2012

"The still-relevant contrast between these two American powerhouses is well told. Both men were consumed by domestic and international problems that continue to reverberate."
What did two of the most famous Americans of the early 20th century have in common? Read full book review >
Cover art for AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL WRITINGS
NONFICTION
Released: June 1, 2012

"A compact, generous entry into the comic sensibility of a thoughtful, adventurous life."
Mark Twain's life and times, in his own words, through memoir and essay. Read full book review >
Cover art for WICKED RIVER
NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 26, 2010

"Raucous, fascinating and fun."
Before the Mississippi River became a fairly sedate liquid highway for barges, it was wild, cruel, punishing, gorgeous and a whole lot more fun. Read full book review >
Cover art for GRANT AND TWAIN
NONFICTION
Released: May 11, 2004

"Intimate, spellbinding drama of the affinity between friends, each struggling in his own way to tell the country the truth about itself."
Journalist and historian Perry (Lift Up Thy Voice, 2001, etc.) examines in remarkable detail the 15-month period during which two iconic American figures produced monumental American literature. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SINGULAR MARK TWAIN
NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 21, 2003

"No real surprises here, but a welcome reminder of the contributions of a great American social critic."
An argument that the native adventurer and high Victorian author's life was not "twain," as it is sometimes presented, but unified by an unflagging belief in his own luck, a fierce social conscience, and a never-ending quest for money. Read full book review >
Cover art for MARK TWAIN
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 20, 2001

" A coffee-table volume that someone might actually read--and enjoy. The wonders of Burns and Company never cease. (110 b&w and 40 color illustrations)"
What comes after baseball, the Civil War, and jazz? Mark Twain, of course. Read full book review >