Life on the Mississippi, Part 11

Focusing on Twain's experiences as a steamboat pilot, the memoir captures his training under the mentorship of Horace E. Bixby. It blends personal anecdotes with a historical narrative of the Mississippi River, tracing its exploration from Hernando de Soto to Twain's own adventures. The book also serves as a travelogue, detailing a journey from New Orleans to Saint Paul years after the Civil War, highlighting the river's dynamic nature and the art of navigation. Twain's affection for the river and its history is palpable throughout.