Mark Twain

Mark Twain's Burlesque Autobiography

Mark Twain's famous lighthearted account of his familial origins and initial experiences of romance is presented here complete.

Not to be confused with Mark Twain's later and much more serious selection of reminiscences published in three volumes, this short autobiography is a fictional account of Twain's family tree. It originates from a period early in Twain's career, when he was mainly known for his colorful travelogues.

While short, this work is a prime example of Twain's humorous take on life. The 'family tree' he mentions is simply an image a man hanging from a noose; the characters and events subsequent to this supposed revelation are all fictional. The members of the Twain family are held to have been greatly influential, albeit in surreal, unrealistic and amusing ways.

The autobiography is set in the distant past, recounting the activities of the Twain family in Europe and later America. As such the characters of this short drama are the dukes and royals of antiquity. The first major figure from Twain's ancestry is mentioned as having sailed with Columbus, whereupon he became among the first settlers from Europe to populate North America.

Mark Twain himself would later disapprove of this work, on one occasion making an effort to purchase and destroy all of the copies.