Roughing It

Object NameBook

Publisher Harper & Brothers Publishers (American, 1817 - 1962)

Author Mark Twain (American, 1835-1910)

Date1904

OriginNew York & London, England

MediumPaper,cloth cover

Dimensions8 1/8 × 5 1/4 × 1 1/4 in. (20.6 × 13.3 × 3.2 cm)

ClassificationsBooks, Manuscripts, Documents, Personal Symbol & Correspondence

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Phillip Allen. In the Farm House Museum Collection, Farm House Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

Object number80.12.9d

Status

On view

Collections

Books, Magazines, & Documents

CultureAmerican

Label TextRoughing It by Mark Twain is a semi-autobiographical travel narrative that recounts his adventures in the American West during the 1860s. The book follows Twain’s journey from Missouri to Nevada and California as he tries his hand at silver mining, journalism, and frontier life, all while encountering colorful characters and absurd situations. Blending satire, tall tales, and keen observation, Twain humorously depicts the hardships, optimism, and chaos of westward expansion, including life in mining camps, dealings with outlaws, and experiences in San Francisco and Hawaii. Beneath the comedy, Roughing It captures the spirit of opportunity and disillusionment that defined the western frontier, offering both a critique and celebration of American expansion and ambition.

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