'Letters from the Earth: Uncensored Writings' by Mark Twain is a collection of satirical essays and short stories that provide a humorous and critical perspective on religion, humanity, and society. Twain's writing style in this book is characterized by biting sarcasm, sharp wit, and dark humor as he explores themes such as the human condition, religious beliefs, and the absurdities of the world. The book includes letters from Satan to other archangels, fictional memoirs of biblical figures like Adam and Eve, and critiques of various aspects of human behavior and beliefs.

Characters:

The characters, especially Satan, serve as conduits for Twain's satirical takes on humanity and religion.

Writing/Prose:

The writing combines satire with humor while engaging in deep philosophical inquiry, characterized by Twain's sharp wit.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around fictional letters written by Satan, offering a critical and satirical perspective on humanity and religious beliefs.

Setting:

The setting juxtaposes celestial and terrestrial realms, focusing on human society under scrutiny from a divine perspective.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk and accessible, though individual writings may vary in engagement.

The Creator sat upon the throne, thinking. Behind him stretched the illimitable continent of heaven, steeped in a glory of light and color; before him rose the black night of Space, like a wall. His m...

Notes:

Mark Twain wrote Letters from the Earth later in his life, shortly before his death.

The book consists of fictional letters written by Satan, addressing the archangels Gabriel and Michael.

It critiques biblical literacy and religious dogma, pointing out contradictions within the Bible.

Twain portrays God as a jealous and hypocritical ruler, using dark humor to make his arguments.

The book highlights various logistical problems with Noah's Ark from Twain's perspective as a former ship captain.

Twain questions the depiction of heaven, asking why it is imagined as a place filled with singing and harp playing when most people do not enjoy singing.

He reflects on the fairness of biblical laws concerning women and men, showing his sensitivity to gender issues.

Twain discusses the existence of diseases, particularly the hookworm, and how they disproportionately affect the poor.

Despite being written in the early 20th century, its themes remain relevant as they criticize human nature and societal norms.

The book was unpublished for decades, primarily due to his daughter's objections, until it was finally released in the 1960s.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of religious criticism, blasphemy, dark humor, and discussions of human suffering and hypocrisy.

From The Publisher:

"The most impressive contribution to books by Mark Twain since The Mysterious Stranger of 1916...The attitude is that of Swift, the intellectual contempt is that of Voltaire, and the imagination is that of one of the great masters of American writing."-New York Times Book Review

Virtually none of the material in Letters from the Earth was published in Twain's lifetime and the manuscript was only approved by his executors in 1962. This is vintage Twain-sharp, witty, imaginative, wildly funny. His voice is as vigorous and blistering as ever, capable of surprising truth and provoking laughter in the most unlikely places.

In this collection, he presents himself as the Father of History, reviewing and interpreting events from the garden of Eden through the Fall and the Flood, translating the papers of Adam and his descendants down through the generations. There are comments on James Fenimore Cooper, English architecture, and the civilization of the French, as well as proposals for a simplified alphabet and a parody of books on etiquette. Letters from the Earth an exuberantly eclectic collection.

Ratings (2)

Loved It (1)
Liked It (1)

Reader Stats (7):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (2)
Not Interested (3)

What can you read after
Letters from the Earth: Uncensored Writings?

See the list (41 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Letters from the Earth: Uncensored Writings

Mark Twain