'Mark Twain's Partner' Summary

In 1861, Sam Clemens, a budding writer in his early twenties, traveled west with his brother Orion to seek his fortune in Nevada's silver mines. He was drawn to the adventures and opportunities of the Wild West, and his brother had secured him a position at a mine owned by Calvin Higbie. This book, based on a 1920 article from the Saturday Evening Post, recounts the early days of Sam Clemens through the eyes of his friend and colleague, Higbie. Higbie describes the challenges of life in the silver mines, their shared experiences, and the budding humor and storytelling talent of Clemens. We see a young man who is observant, witty, and already exhibiting the early signs of the literary genius he would become. The book offers a fascinating insight into the formative years of Mark Twain, revealing the origins of his love for storytelling and his unique perspective on life, gleaned from his experiences in the rugged landscape of the American West.