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The Statesman and the Storyteller

John Hay, Mark Twain, and the Rise of American Imperialism
May 19, 2016kneice rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This masterpiece unveils in detail what John Hay, McKinley and TR actually said about the dawn of U.S. imperialism, ironically using the same argument the South gave for keeping slaves: They're better off helping God's chosen white people to carry the banner of civilization. Sam Clemens, on the other hand, shares much of the nation's distaste with this approach and is its most eloquent spokesman. This examination of their stories brings the era vividly and personally to life (and maybe a bit too much detail on their medical maladies though that is very indicative of the era). The contrast between elitist Hay, with the halo of having been Lincoln's secretary, and Clemens, the cagey but world weary celebrity Mark Twain -- who deliciously come from the same Mississippi mud -- makes a powerful narrative that I couldn't put down.