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In his time, Mark Twain was considered the funniest man on earth. Yet he was also an unflinching critic of human nature, using his humor to attack hypocrisy, greed and racism. In this series, Ken Burns has created an illuminating portrait of the man who is also one of the greatest writers in American history.

Watch • 1:21
Mark Twain
Huckleberry Finn
Huckleberry Finn is Mark Twain's masterpiece
Clip: S1 E1 | 1:21
Watch • 0:53
Mark Twain
When Samuel Clemens Became Mark Twain
Sam Clemens decided to take on a new name: Mark Twain.
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:53
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Mark Twain
Sage
Twain was the sage of the country, everyone wanted a quote from him.
Clip: S1 E2 | 0:43
Funding provided by General Motors Corporation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Connecticut Office of Tourism, CPB, The Arthur Vining Davis Foundation, Park Foundation
Latest Episodes
Watch • 1:50:44
Mark Twain
Episode One
Mark Twain tells the story of the writer’s extraordinary life.
Episode: S1 E1 | 1:50:44
Watch • 1:42:25
Mark Twain
Episode Two
The conclusion of the story of America's best-loved and best-known author, Mark Twain.
Episode: S1 E2 | 1:42:25
Extras
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Mark Twain
The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River was a sacred place for Twain.
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:18
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Mark Twain
American Speech
Twain made American speech something to be admired.
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:24
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Mark Twain
Problem of Race
Twain knew for America to be great, race had to be discussed.
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:27
Watch • 0:59
Mark Twain
Aren't we Funny Animals?
Hal Holbrook discusses how Twain's writing makes him feel.
Clip: S1 E2 | 0:59
Watch • 0:47
Mark Twain
Hartford House
Twain wanted to be rustic and a rebel, but also wealthy and successful.
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:47
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Mark Twain
Triumph Through Tragedy
Twain rallies through personal tragedies
Clip: S1 E2 | 0:37
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Mark Twain
The Master of the Pause
Twain was a genius of the stage, where he use silence to his advantage.
Clip: S1 E1 | 1:11
Watch • 0:57
Mark Twain
Dark, Depressive Streak
Twain's humor is always colored by the knowledge that horrible things can happen in life.
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:57
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Mark Twain
Hannibal, MO
The idea of Place formed Mark Twain.
Clip: S1 E1 | 0:38
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Mark Twain
Innocents Abroad
Innocents Abroad was a subscription book.
Clip: S1 E1 | 1:04
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