MARK TWAIN

Twain's twang, as delivered by Jason Culp, runs through this compelling and comprehensive audiobook like a vein of gold. He convincingly portrays the great humorist in all his guises--raconteur, lecturer, parent, public figure, wit, and philosopher--homespun and not. Culp expertly narrates the exposition (and in a 44-hour biography there's plenty) and modulates his voice and pitch for different speakers. But it's in his emulation of the tone and timing of the old rakehell himself that Culp sparkles. Chernow, master biographer of Washington, Hamilton, and Grant, turns his considerable skills as a researcher, writer, and interpreter to America's greatest wit. Twain, who was among the most famous people of his time, made poor investments but good copy. A.D.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2025]