Mark Twain's biography + full works

Continuing my journey through the land of the classics of the universal literature, I have left the "old" continent, and set off for the "land of freedom".

I have already read Booker T. Washington's Up from Slavery, an inspiring autobiography, describing Mr. Washington's way from a slave's hut, to meeting the president in the White House. Mr. Booker praises himself for his humbleness, however it feels like he is too proud (though he has reasons to be so) of his achievements.

I have also read some of Edgar Poe's creations. What I really enjoyed about them was the simplicity of the language. There was no need to be constantly looking for words or idioms in a dictionary. A simple yet charmingly descriptive and effective style. I'm sure I will come back to him, in the following months.

The book that gives name to this post, is the one that occupies me at the moment. I'm still reading Mark Twain's autobiography and, though he was not a slave, his life conditions and level of education do not match at all my expectations when it comes to an author part of the history of literature. Seemingly he used a good deal of his own life into each of his creations (this is by no means a reproach).

I admit that modern literature must be supported and enjoyed, otherwise the classics in the future will be pretty much the same as today :). But, having so much fun reading what we consider classics today, I find it hard to direct my attention to modern creation. Maybe in about 70 years, when today's books pass to the public domain...

Enjoy life!!