The Bible According to Mark Twain: Writings on Heaven, Eden, and the Flood »

In this brilliant and hilarious compilation of essays, letters, diaries, and excerpts - some never before published - Mark Twain takes on Heaven and Hell, sinners and saints and showcases his own unique approach to the Holy Scriptures including Adam and Eve's divergent accounts of their domestic troubles, Satan's take on our concept of the afterlife, Methuselah's discussion of an ancient version of baseball, and advice on how to dress and tip properly in heaven. Behind the humor of these pieces, readers will see Twain's serious thoughts on the relationship between God and man, biblical inconsistencies, Darwinism, science, and the impact of technology on religious beliefs. The Bible According to Mark Twain is vintage Twain and is sure to surprise, delight, and perhaps shock modern readers.

Booknews

Brings together 15 works that reveal Twain's lifelong attempts to deal--both humorously and seriously--with traditional religious concepts. The introduction to each selection tells when and how Twain came to write and publish--or fail to publish or to finish--the piece. All of the works have been newly edited from the manuscripts, where available. The endnotes provide valuable supplementary information. No index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)