Editorial Wild Oats by Mark Twain - First Edition

$35.00

This is a curious copy of “Editorial Wild Oats” by Mark Twain. While it appears to be a first edition, it is missing all of the illustrations. The book also features some shelf ware including bumping to the corners of the boards, split hinges, marks and staining to the pages, and inscriptions from former owners.

Twain brings his legendary wit to the "Wild West" of 19th-century journalism. This collection of short stories and sketches chronicles the absurd, often violent, and always hilarious experiences of a young editor trying to survive in a profession where the pen was often met with a pistol.

The book captures the spirit of frontier journalism, where facts were optional, insults were an art form, and rival editors frequently settled disagreements with duels.

Featured Stories Include:

  • "My First Literary Venture": A teenage Twain takes over his uncle’s paper and immediately creates a local scandal by mocking the town's prominent citizens.

  • "Journalism in Tennessee": A masterpiece of dark humor where a new editor discovers that "editing" in the South involves dodging bullets and falling through windows.

  • "Mr. Bloke’s Item": A satirical look at the confusion and incompetence that can plague a small-town newsroom.

  • "How I Edited an Agricultural Paper": One of Twain's most famous sketches, where he gives hilariously incorrect farming advice (like suggesting that clams grow on trees).

Why It’s a Must-Have for Twain Fans

  • The "Roughing It" Vibe: It perfectly complements his more famous works like Roughing It, providing a deep dive into his early career.

  • Journalistic Satire: It remains incredibly relevant today as a commentary on "fake news," sensationalism, and the ego of the media.

  • Perfect Gift: Because it is a collection of shorter pieces, it’s an accessible entry point for new readers of classic American humor.

This is a curious copy of “Editorial Wild Oats” by Mark Twain. While it appears to be a first edition, it is missing all of the illustrations. The book also features some shelf ware including bumping to the corners of the boards, split hinges, marks and staining to the pages, and inscriptions from former owners.

Twain brings his legendary wit to the "Wild West" of 19th-century journalism. This collection of short stories and sketches chronicles the absurd, often violent, and always hilarious experiences of a young editor trying to survive in a profession where the pen was often met with a pistol.

The book captures the spirit of frontier journalism, where facts were optional, insults were an art form, and rival editors frequently settled disagreements with duels.

Featured Stories Include:

  • "My First Literary Venture": A teenage Twain takes over his uncle’s paper and immediately creates a local scandal by mocking the town's prominent citizens.

  • "Journalism in Tennessee": A masterpiece of dark humor where a new editor discovers that "editing" in the South involves dodging bullets and falling through windows.

  • "Mr. Bloke’s Item": A satirical look at the confusion and incompetence that can plague a small-town newsroom.

  • "How I Edited an Agricultural Paper": One of Twain's most famous sketches, where he gives hilariously incorrect farming advice (like suggesting that clams grow on trees).

Why It’s a Must-Have for Twain Fans

  • The "Roughing It" Vibe: It perfectly complements his more famous works like Roughing It, providing a deep dive into his early career.

  • Journalistic Satire: It remains incredibly relevant today as a commentary on "fake news," sensationalism, and the ego of the media.

  • Perfect Gift: Because it is a collection of shorter pieces, it’s an accessible entry point for new readers of classic American humor.