Mark Twain and the Colonel

July 23, 2012
Though America's most famous satirist and the 26th president seldom came into direct contact, here McFarland (Loves of Harriet Beecher Stowe) presents the duo as dynamic foils, indicative of the social and political growing pains of the country. Differences in background and beliefs abounded: Roosevelt was an expansionist; Twain was a staunch anti-imperialist. The politician "spurn idleness, to an extent that amazed those who knew him;" the humorist embraced "the gypsy-like leaving behind of responsibilities." Perhaps most telling of their disparate social roles is their handling of racial issuesâwhile Twain grew vocally outraged at "The United States of Lyncherdom," Roosevelt fretted about losing the Southern vote. McFarland doesn't shy away from the complex notions each man had of the otherâTwain called Roosevelt "one of the most likeable men that I am acquainted with," and also "far and away the worst president we have ever had." In addition to being a compelling duel biography, McFarland makes full use of Twain and Roosevelt's specific moment in time, using their opinions, vitriol, and praises to explore varying sides of issues that belabored the United States at the turn of the 20th century. Photos.