The Genius of Twain:

Samuel Clemens /Mark Twain died 104 years ago, but his work remains and continues to sell well. When his autobiography was published in 2010, a mere one hundred years after his death, it literally flew of the shelves as bookstores were unable to keep up with demand.

The names Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn are forever edged in the collective conscience of American literature. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn have moved beyond classic, and now enjoy more of an iconic status.

Like most iconic figures Twain is not immune to criticism. His portrayal of " Jim," and use of the "N" Word continues to be divisive. In 2011 Auburn University professor Alan Gribben adapted/censored Huck Finn for New South Books. It was an effort to present the story in a more politically correct fashion.

The purpose of this post is not to argue the in's and out's of censorship, nor the politics behind such a move. It is not for me to decide what is or is not offensive to others. Nor, is it my place to champion personal morality or lack there of. Melissa Harris-Perry addresses the material well and presents a phenomenal argument. Follow the link.

The purpose of this post is to look into the WHY and explore the How of Twains success. I am sure the opinions of critics are varied and many. Some will call on his uncanny wit and ability to circumvent. Others, attribute it to his talent, while a few call it luck and say such a feat could never again be reproduced.

I beg to differ with the latter and agree with the former. I think luck had nothing to do with it and I am positive his wit and ability to circumvent played a role and his talent was beyond question. However, these all fall short. There was something else going on.

There is a reason his work still resonates with readers and sells well for the publishers. I recently down loaded a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. It was in the introduction where I stumbled upon his genius to connect. I will let him tell you in his own words.

"Although my book is intended mainly for the entertainment of boys and girls, I hope it will not be shunned by men and women on that account, for part of my plan has been to try to pleasantly remind adults of what they once were themselves and of how they felt and thought and talked..."

And there you have it. The genius behind Twains success and continued  status is in that he wrote children's stories that adults enjoy reading. If you are an aspiring writer searching for success and readership take notice of this simple principal: Children's stories that adults like to read.