THE MARK TWAIN AUDIO COLLECTION

This rich archive of Twain stories and excerpts is drawn from Caedmon recordings made in the '50s and '60s. Five actors provide the voices of Twain. Ed Begley, Sr., and Will Geer read excerpts from Twain's LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI, and Geer continues with many of the other selections from THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MARK TWAIN in his clear, jocular tones. Walter Brennan's performance of THE NOTORIOUS JUMPING FROG OF CALAVERAS COUNTY stands out--the listener can envision the country store and an old raconteur spinning tales. David Wayne is perhaps the only disappointment; his unaccented speech seems too dry and crisp. Careful remastering has cleaned up the sound and produced a program free of distracting flaws. The collection is a remarkable adjunct to the numerous Twain renditions. R.F.W. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 02]