"When he died in 1910, Mark Twain left behind more than a legacy of timeless novels and essays. He also bequeathed a wealth of useful - and funny - opinions on style, literary habits, and the writer's role in society. Nearly a century later, Twain's thoughts still provide information and inspiration for the novelist, essayist, public speaker, or armchair aficionado of the English language." "Compiled by veteran Twain enthusiast Mark Dawidziak, Mark My Words offers tips from Twain as true today as when he wrote them. Here you'll find the famous essay "Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offenses," as delightfully malicious as it is instructive, as well as tips for the perfect speech (you must take at least three weeks to write an impromptu speech), the perfect book for children (it must interest not only boys but any man who has ever been a boy) - even the perfect editor (it's best to edit while awake)."--BOOK JACKET.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [152]-156) and index.