Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens, Twain (1835--1910) was a humorist, journalist, lecturer, and novelist who garnered international fame for his travel narratives, including The Innocents Abroad (1869), Roughing It (1872), and Life on the Mississippi (1883), as well as for his adventure stories of boyhood, most especially The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885), a book often considered the quintessential “great American novel”. A gifted raconteur and irascible moralist, he transcended the apparent limitations of his humble Missouri origins to become one of America’s best and most beloved writers.

About Bill Thierfelder:

Dr. Bill Thierfelder holds a Ph.D. in English with minors in theater, art history, and music history. After teaching Second Grade for four years and High School seniors for six months as a replacement substitute, he spent the next 32 years teaching a variety of Arts and Humanities courses at several New York and Long Island universities and colleges, including St. John's University, Hofstra University, and Dowling College. He is currently docent emeritus from the American Museum of Natural History where he continues to give both Zoom and in-person presentations, work on special editing projects, and give tours. He also lectures regularly for libraries and educational organizations across the country via Zoom. His classroom, library, and Museum vocations have shown him quite clearly that life is all about “making wings," hence, the name of his website: Making Wings. 

RECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.

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Made possible by the Groton Public Library Endowment Trust.