How to Tell a Story and Other Essays Audiobook By Mark Twain cover art

How to Tell a Story and Other Essays

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How to Tell a Story and Other Essays

By: Mark Twain
Narrated by: Brian Troxell
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American writer Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, has given us some literary gems with Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn and his travel adventures in 19th-century Europe and to Australia and New Zealand. In How to Tell a Story and Other Essays, Twain discusses the telling of stories, rather than providing more stories. Humor, Twain says, is American while comic is English and witty is French. He follows this typically brilliant essay with examples of storytelling and some intriguing experiences of "mental telegraphy".

Public Domain (P)2012 Audible, Inc. United States Funny Classics Nonfiction Witty World Literature World Drama & Plays

Editorial reviews

One of America's most renowned storytellers, Mark Twain was not stingy with sharing his techniques. In the audiobook How to Tell a Story and Other Essays, Twain delves primarily into how to tell humorous (as opposed to comic or witty) stories, that most difficult of narrative genres.

Voice talent Brian Troxell tells stories like "The Golden Arm" and "The Wounded Soldier" almost as successfully as Twain might have done, while simultaneously delivering Twain's instructions as he proceeds. In other words, Troxell both pauses and ensures that the listener notes the pauses. "The Golden Arm", which sounds like a campfire story supplemented with stage directions, is written in so-called Negro dialect, and is much easier to hear than to read.
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Both the storytelling of Mr. Clemens and the reading of Mr. Troxell make this a laugh-out-loud and very fast 47 minutes! Doubtless Mark Twain is one of history's most comic geniuses!

Does not disappoint! Very funny!

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Would you listen to How to Tell a Story and Other Essays again? Why?

Yes! Timeless and counter-intuitive wisdom from an American Treasure.

What was one of the most memorable moments of How to Tell a Story and Other Essays?

The title essay was very interesting. I had never considered joke telling in this way.

Which scene was your favorite?

NA

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

NA

Any additional comments?

NA

Great Stuff!!

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I loved the writing, and the humanity in Mark Twain’s words. What is more, I believe the narrator had decent timing.

Mark Twain’s Disbelief in his Writing

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I only wish it was longer! Narration was excellent, Mr. Troxell brought Twain's words to life!

nothing beats the down to earth Twain

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Enjoyable but you learn how to tell a story. It starts with a brief overview of humor vs comedy vs wit.

title not descript

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