Bernard DeVoto, Mark Twain's America, Chautauqua Institution, 1932.

DeVoto, who published his book following the publication
of Albert Bigelow Paine's biography of
Twain, called his own book "an essay in the correction
of ideas." The book looks at Twain's works in
the context of his American culture.

William Dean Howells, review in Atlantic Monthly, Vol. 37, May, 1876.

In this glowing review written before the novel's
American publication, Howells singles out Clemens'
depiction of the "boy-mind" as especially wonderful.

Howells was "the dean of American letters" during
Twain's day, and also Twain's close friend and editor.
In this book, Howells presents his personal account
of his friendship with Twain.

Jim Hunter, "Mark Twain and the Boy-Book in 19th-Century America," College English, Vol. 24, 1963.

Hunter provides a valuable survey of contemporary
boys' literature, showing the role of the "Bad Boy"
that Clemens adapted...