The Trouble Begins Series: Mark Twain’s 1884: A Pivotal Year in the Life at The Mark Twain House & Museum
A fascinating look at a pivotal year in the life of one of America’s most celebrated authors will be featured in The Trouble Begins Series: Mark Twain’s 1884: A Pivotal Year in the Life on July 8, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. This virtual presentation explores the events of 1884, a remarkable year in which Mark Twain completed Adventures of Huckleberry Finn while also navigating publishing ventures, political involvement, extensive lecture tours, family life, and numerous personal challenges.
Author and scholar John Bird will discuss his book, Mark Twain’s 1884: A Pivotal Year in the Life, which takes a unique day-by-day approach to examining Twain’s experiences during one of the most productive and eventful periods of his life. The presentation offers insights into Twain not only as a literary icon but also as a father, husband, uncle, businessman, and friend.
John Bird is Emeritus Professor of English at Winthrop University and a noted Mark Twain scholar. His work includes Mark Twain and Metaphor, Mark Twain in Context, and Seeing Mad: Essays on Mad Magazine’s Humor and Legacy. He is also a past president of both the Mark Twain Circle of America and the American Humor Studies Association.
Advance registration is required. The Mark Twain House & Museum is located at 351 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105. For more information and to reserve a spot, visit https://marktwainhouse.org/event/the-trouble-begins-series-mark-twains-1884-a-pivotal-year-in-the-life-virtual/.
