Happy Birthday Mark Twain

If you have been on google today, you may notice a fun little illustration commemorating Mark Twain. Mark Twain is a famous and brilliant writer, born Nov 30th 1835 under the name Samuel Langhorne Clemens. While some people may not be keen on his books, they still know who he is. He is known for his most famous works - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I have mentioned him previously in my Friday's Five due to the fact he wrote one of my favourite books, Pudd'nhead Wilson. If you haven't read any of his books, I suggest you pick one up, they are great classics that always appear to have some truth in them, knowing some of what he writes about has probably happened. Mark Twain (I use his pen name as that is how he is remembered) was famous for his wit and satire, and his personal life alone was as much of a story as his stories.

On a final note, I have always been fond of the things he has said and you can find me quoting his words on my facebook page. Some of my favourites include:

• A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.
• 'Classic'. A book which people praise and don't read.
• Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.
• Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been.
• Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.

If you can think of any other quotes or would like to share your views on Mark Twain and any of his stories, please do so. I would love to hear what everyone else thinks.

Review: Jane Austen's Little Instruction Book

Goodreads Description:

"This indispensable compendium offers guidance and timeless truths from a world away. With gentle but keen irony, Jane Austen exposes the ways of women and men-- and their relationships. Here are simple rules and life lessons to make your world a kinder, gentler, and more amusing place."

Jane Austen is one of the most iconic writers in existence. Through her books, we are given a window into Regency England. Her novels are written from her observation of character and manners of those during her time. Thanks to Austen we have Mr Darcy, Mr Knightley and many other memorable characters.

According to the introduction, Jane Austen's Little Instruction Book is an insightful and charming selection of Austen's social observations from the pages of her novels - including Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice. I assumed this book would be personal observations, something quirky or notes on portions of her novels, however it is simply a cute little collection of quotes from some of Jane Austens most notable works. It is elegantly illustrated and it covers the thoughts of women, men, relationships, simple rules and life lessons.

To sit in the shade on a fine day

and look upon verdure,

is the most perfect refreshment.

Fanny Price

Mansfield Park

Final Comments:
To put it simply, it is a scan through of quotes that someone has pulled out of her novels. If however you are a fan of Austen and get a smile from reading her novels, then I would recommend this to you.

Release Date: August 1995

Publisher: Peter Pauper Press

Author: Jane Austen