Mark Twain's Letters ? Volume 1 (1853-1866) is a collection of personal correspondence that offers a glimpse into the early life and thoughts of one of America’s most iconic authors. Written during the mid-19th century, these letters span Twain’s formative years, from his initial forays into journalism to his experiences as a riverboat pilot. They reveal his personality, ambitions, and evolving writing style, painting a vivid portrait of Twain beyond his literary persona.
The opening of the collection introduces Twain as a young man venturing from his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, to bustling cities like New York and Philadelphia. In letters to family and friends, he expresses a mix of ambition, homesickness, and youthful energy. He describes his experiences at the World’s Fair in New York, shares anecdotes from his various printing jobs, and even mentions a brief contemplation of traveling to South America. These early letters provide a relatable look at a young writer striving to find his path while hinting at the wit and humor that would later define his literary greatness.

FOREWORD
MARK TWAIN?A BIOGRAPHICAL SUMMARY

MARK TWAIN'S LETTERS
I. EARLY LETTERS, 1853. NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA
II. LETTERS 1856-61. KEOKUK, AND THE RIVER. END OF PILOTING
III. LETTERS 1861-62. ON THE FRONTIER. MINING ADVENTURES. JOURNALISTIC BEGINNINGS.
IV. LETTERS 1863-64. “MARK TWAIN.” COMSTOCK JOURNALISM. ARTEMUS WARD
V. LETTERS 1864-66. SAN FRANCISCO AND HAWAII
VI. LETTERS 1866-67. THE LECTURER. SUCCESS ON THE COAST. IN NEW YORK. THE GREAT OCEAN EXCURSION.