On the often-neglected lecture tours through which this "Wild Humorist of the Pacific Coast" became both wealthy and famous, as well as the urbane, polished man of letters and humorist known as "Mark Twain"

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Apprenticeship -- First public lecture -- The jubilant tour -- On home ground -- New York and Brooklyn -- Return to the far west -- On the lyceum circuit -- Under Redpath's management -- The most detestable campaign -- Life on the lecture circuit -- Lecture in England -- Art of reading -- Reading tour with cable -- The world tour -- Platform manners and techniques -- Audience reception -- On audiences -- Profits from the alternate career -- Retirement from tour lecturing -- Texts of tour lectures.