SPUNKWATER, SPUNKWATER!

by James Playsted Wood ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1968

Introducing the immoderate but endearing bard of the Gilded Age as well as his less extravagant other self, in a study which makes comprehensible the older, embittered pessimist. Taking the title from Tom and Huck's incantation to ward off warts, Mr. Wood follows the itinerant life, relating the literary inspiration of the subject's experience where relevant instead of making Tom Sawyer grow up. Without whitewashing reckless spending, vanity or vindictiveness and without enumerating the unabashed by Livy-&-Howells-edited masculine wit, Spunkwater means more if you know Torn, Huck and the others but refers to the legacy of first-rate Americana and last words with a sampling of one-liner wisecracks, happily in context. The man who entertained a nation and more, in sturdy prose and scholarly perspective.

Pub Date: April 1, 1968

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Pantheon

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1968

Categories: NONFICTION