Lighting Out for the Territory: How Samuel Clemens Headed West and Became Mark Twain

by Roy Morris Jr.

In the very last paragraph of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , the title character gloomily reckons that it’s time “to light out for the Territory ahead of the rest.” Tom Sawyer’s Aunt Sally is trying to “sivilize” him, and Huck Finn can’t stand it—he’s been there before. It’s a decision Huck’s creator already had made, albeit for somewhat different reasons, a quarter of a century earlier. He wasn’t even Mark Twain then, but as Huck might have said, “That ain’t no matter.” With the Civil War spreading across his native Missouri, twenty-five-year-old Samuel Clemens, suddenly out of work as a Mississippi riverboat pilot, gladly accepted his brother Orion’s offer to join him in Nevada Territory, far from the crimsoned battlefields of war. A rollicking, hilarious stagecoach journey across the Great Plains and over the Rocky Mountains was just the beginning of a nearly six-year-long odyssey that took Samuel Clemens from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Hawaii, with lengthy stopovers in Virginia City, Nevada, and San Francisco. By the time it was over, he would find himself reborn as Mark Twain, America’s best-loved, most influential writer. The “trouble,” as he famously promised, had begun. With a pitch-perfect blend of appreciative humor and critical authority, acclaimed literary biographer Roy Morris, Jr., sheds new light on this crucial but still largely unexamined period in Mark Twain’s life. Morris carefully sorts fact from fiction—never an easy task when dealing with Twain—to tell the story of a young genius finding his voice in the ramshackle mining camps, boomtowns, and newspaper offices of the wild and woolly West, while the Civil War rages half a continent away. With the frequent help of Twain’s own words, Morris follows his subject on a winding journey of selfdiscovery filled with high adventure and low comedy, as Clemens/Twain dodges Indians and gunfighters, receives marriage advice from Brigham Young, burns down a mountain with a frying pan, gets claim-jumped by rival miners, narrowly avoids fighting a duel, hikes across the floor of an active volcano, becomes one of the first white men to try the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing, and writes his first great literary success, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” Lighting Out for the Territory is a fascinating, even inspiring, account of how an unemployed riverboat pilot, would-be Confederate guerrilla, failed prospector, neophyte newspaper reporter, and parttime San Francisco aesthete reinvented himself as America’s most famous and beloved writer. It’s a good story, and mostly true—with some stretchers thrown in for good measure.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Biography Memoir, American History

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Diane in Australia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author takes us from 1853 when Sam Clemens, 17, left home to begin work as a printer's apprentice on the St. Louis Evening News, up to his marriage to Olivia Langdon in 1870. The main focus is on the six years between 1861-1867, which include Sam's time in the Nevada Territory, California, and Hawaii.

Twain loved to embellish the truth, just a bit. As he said about his book "Roughing It", where he recounts the adventures of these years, it is "mostly a true book ... with some stretchers" thrown in. But the author takes a different approach, "One of the central aims of this book, with the help of contemporaneous letters, diaries, and reminiscences, is to separate the fact from the fiction - to "de-stretcher" it, if you will - a noble ambition but one that in Mark Twain's case is more or less a full-time occupation." (3)

If you'd like to read a fact-based account, of these years, this is the book for you. Seeing as I love nonfiction, the author's approach was perfect for me. If you're a huge Twain fan, you'll really enjoy this. If you aren't that interested in Twain, you may be bored by this.

3 Stars = I liked the book. I enjoyed it. I'm glad I read it.

[Nathan · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is rare for me not to finish a book, and this review is less a reflection on the author than its subject, thus the one star is not fair.

I wanted to read this to see if a biography endeared Twain to me any more. It did not.

I do not seek to disparage Twain’s place at all in the canon or all-time history, but nothing ever written by him or about him as ever stirred anything deep in me.

It may be because I cannot think of a practical joke I have played or enjoyed in my entire life. Twain seems to relish this lifestyle and its people. I simply do not understand them at all.

As you were, Sir. You will serve another better than me.

[Bakunin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't be bothered to finish it.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short but enjoyable trip through the American West of the 1860's with a young writer before his great fame. The famous writer's brother, Orion Clemens, received a commission from President Lincoln to govern the Territory of Nevada. While the Civil War raged "back east", Orion traveled with his fun loving war-averse younger brother Sam. This book interprets their trip and Sam's subsequent trips farther west, eventually to Hawaii.

For those who want the primary source, Roughing It by Mark Twain is still in print. If you plan on reading it, I recommend you read this one first. If you've already read it, reading this will enhance your experience.

As an interpretive work, the author, Roy Morris, gives the background on what Clemens did and what he wrote. He tells you when the tale is tall. He cites other travelers in and around this time such as Richard Burton, Horace Greeley and Herman Melville (before) and Oscar Wilde and Robert Lewis Stevenson (after). He explains potential motivations, relationships and potential dynamics with friends and rivals.

It is in this period as a journalist (he is also a prospector, a miner and assistant to his brother), Clemens tries out a number of pseudonyms before settling on Mark Twain. His career in fiction begins as a journalist where he tends to stretch the truth to produce a good story.

The reader is taken back to a time before so many things became "established". A rogue can leave a hotel without paying (how can one do this in the credit card era?) or walk away from a regiment in the time of war. Careers, such as law, journalism, or the ministry could be pursued without any credentials. Even jails seem to be fluid, with some inmates free to come and go.

Better than all the above, the book is fun to read. You'll laugh out loud at the Clemens wit and outlook.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amusing partial biography of Mark Twain, covering the years that Twain worked as a riverboat captain (two years before the Civil War); his life as a guerrilla in Missouri; and then a half-dozen years in various pursuits in the American West. It is an appropriate read just ahead of the Nov. 15, 2010 release of Twain's autobiography -- delayed by 100 years to avoid political sensitivities.

Not enough of Twain's humor comes through the book, though it tells the tale of the writing of his first popular tale, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." However, with the start of his lecture series in San Francisco in October, 1866 the humor starts to emerge. One introduction in California was more abt than the reader is aware:

"Ladies and gentlemen, I shall not waste any unnecessary time in the introduction. I don't know anything about this man; at least I know only two things about him; one is that he has never been in the penitentiary, and the other is that I can't imagine why." Twain's escapades through his youth put him in jail at least once and various articles actually got him run out of town in Virginia City.

[John Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is OK, but after reading it, I got the sense that I should have gone straight to Twain's own memoir of his adventures in the West (Roughing It).

[Alan Kaplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lighting Out for the Territory about Mark Twain during the Civil War years of the early 1860’s. For a brief amount of time, Missourian Mark Twain was a Confederate Army soldier. Twain had essentially no interest in the war and when his brother Orion was offered a government post in Nevada, Twain went with him. They traveled from St. Joseph, Missouri to Carson City, Nevada via stagecoach in 1861. Twain was technically a deserter. When Twain reached Nevada, he become a jack of all trades. He panned for gold. He looked for silver. He wrote articles for the local newspapers. At this time, Twain was somewhat of a bum, never having enough money, running out on bills, but he always had his writing talent even if no knew it at the time. After a few years in Nevada, he moved to San Francisco where he lived the life of a bon vivant with no money except for the occasional writing gig. Expertly, the author Roy Morris Jr. weaves in stories about people Twain and how he used them in his future novels, the most famous being the tale about the jumping frog of Calaveras County. After spending time in SF, Twain was able to convince a newspaper to finance a 4 month sojourn in Hawaii where he composed a travelogue and on his return to California, a one man show. At this point in his life, Twain is about 30 years old with no real job and no real income. It is fascinating to think about the greatest American humorist and novelist trying to find his way in the world. Everyone knows about Twain the riverboat captain, very few know about his years in the West.

[Joe Keefhaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Civil War eliminates Sam Clemens' job as a riverboat pilot and after he deserts from a Confederate guerilla unit, he heads out West to avoid further involvement in the conflict. During the war years and immediately afterward, Clemens morphs into the Mark Twain persona as a writer and lecturer. Clemens tried his hand at a number of jobs before achieving fame, but usually quits because they involved actual work. If you think today's news is fake, study Clemens and other newspaper "reporters" of the 1800s. Many of them seemed to give little consideration to the truth. Writers from rival publications also manufactured imaginary, and sometimes real, feuds as a means of building readership. After marrying into a respectable Eastern family, Clemens settled down considerably. Until then, his lifestyle was crude. And even in later years, stories about his life that Clemens portrayed as true often were highly fictionalized.

[Jim Collett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This entertaining history focuses only on Clemens' years in the American West, so it is far from a full biography. The book begins with the stage journey of Clemens and his brother Orion to the Nevada Territory and concludes with Clemens, now also known as Mark Twain, return to the east and New York. There is an opening chapter that explains the circumstances that led Clemens to go west (avoiding the Civil War) and a brief closing summary of his later life. The rest recounts Clemens' adventures (and misadventures) as a young man in the Nevada Territory (including Virginia City), California, and Hawaii. Having read Roughing It, I knew some of this story. Morris, however, does a good job of fleshing out the rest of the events, as well as pointing out the fabrications of that book. The problems of his brother Orion are recounted as well. This is a well-written account that provides a detailed look at the "birth" of Mark Twain.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting account of Samuel Clemens' time in the west and the beginning of his journalistic and literary career as Mark Twain. It basically follows Twain's account in Roughing It and tries to establish what really happened, using as many first-hand sources as possible. We find out that whether he was doing it for profit or his own amusement, Mark Twain was a great liar. However, even the true story was a fascinating roller-coaster ride from boring to hair-raising events. The author does a good job of following Twain's journey without turning it into a dusty history lesson.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know much about Twain exceot that we are supposed to consider him "amazing". This book focused on a very set time and provided an interesting and truthful look at the person. It gavs us unflattering truths that help to reform one's own opinion. Whether or not I find Twain to be as amazing as school would have us think, I found the author if this book to provide insight and humor along the way.

[Evelyn Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rambley collection of anecdotes about Samuel Clemens. In his youth, he seemed like a d**k and lazy, never heroic. But, I could see how he honed his craft and how his style of writing was influenced by the people he hung out with. I was surprised, and pleased to discover photos included in the book. I enjoyed many of his funny quips, but overall, the book left me, "meh."

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy the colorful words and people.
It got tedious for me. I had read part of it and stopped. I went back and it still seemed tedious.
It has a lot of interesting information but I had information over load.

[T.J. Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and concise insight into the development of Samuel to Mark

[Gary Null]

Having lost his job as a riverboat pilot and wanting to escape the horrors of the Civil War, twenty-five-year-old Samuel Clemens was looking for opportunity. When Sam’s brother, Orion, received a political appointment as Secretary to the Governor of the newly-created Nevada Territory, Sam was eager to accompany him on the trip to the western territory.



They began their journey with a grueling stagecoach ride from St. Joseph, Missouri.



During the six-year odyssey, Clemens adopts the pen name Mark Twain and hones his skill as a writer. Twain works his way further West, trying a variety of job to earn a living, and eventually makes it all the way to Hawaii.



The author does a good job of annotating Twain’s adventures, and explaining how much of his later writings were influenced by the characters he met along the way.



The account of the journey is packed with Twain humor, both from him and about him.



Passing through Sacramento, Twain comments on the excessive heat: “The people suffer and sweat, and swear, morning, noon and night, and wear out their staunchest energies fanning themselves … The thermometer stays at one hundred and twenty in the shade all the time—except when it varies and goes higher.” To emphasis his point, Twain added, “A soldier at nearby Fort Yuma had died and gone to hell; the next day he telegraphed back for his blankets.”



On another occasion, Twain reportedly was introduced by a miner who was assigned the duty at the last minute with no time to prepare. The book’s account declares “’Ladies and gentlemen,’ said the miner with admirable honesty, ‘I shall not waste any unnecessary time in the introduction. I don’t know anything about this man; at least I know only two things about him; one is that he has never been in the penitentiary, and the other is that I can’t imagine why.’”



There were so many references to Twain’s later work, Roughing It, that I added that classic to my “to read” list.

[James (JD) Dittes · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I think of Mark Twain, I think of Hannibal, Missouri, or his massive home in Connecticut, but Sam Clemens created his unique persona in the mining camps of Nevada and amid the sleaziest of San Fransisco's streets. Morris reveals this crucial part of Twain's history--and histories overshadowed by the Civil War that raged back east--in this book.

Morris describes Sam Clemens as an inveterate runaway: from home in Hannibal Clemens escapes onto the river as a riverboat pilot; he hides out from draft squads to emerge for a time as a member of a band of Confederate guerrilla cavalrymen, then he escapes into the West. The fact that he eventually found an outlet for his shiftlessness and creativity in journalism--and travel journalism at that--is miraculous.

I enjoyed the reading of this book. It moved quickly and wasn't too dependent on re-telling Twain's own writings. It ends suddenly with Twain's first trip to Europe (which would result in The Innocents Abroad) and his courtship of Olivia Langdon in fewer than five pages. But then again, it left me wanting more--and what's so wrong with that?

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly readable. However: Anyone care to exlain why author Roy Morris, Jr. omitted talking about how the name Tom Sawyer came about? Written in 2010, I just read "Lighting..." to compare to the 2012 book "Black Fire", read 3-4 months ago, which includes how Mark Twain wound up with Tom Sawyer as the name for that character. While "Lighting..." is fascinating, with much humor and twists to how Clemens became Twain, it mysteriously briefly mentions Twain's experiences, related in "Black Fire", but omits anything that led to the Tom Sawyer name. I am skepitcal that the Sawyer connection was unknown in 2010 and not until Robert Graysmith wrote "Black Fire". Open to evidence backed details, however! Thanks everyone. 9/8/13

[Read1000books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Covering the early part of Twain's adult life (from approximately 1854 to 1867, with just a bit on either side), we find out about the time of his "service" (if you can call it that) in the Confederate Army (again, if you could call it that) in Missouri all the way up to his marriage to the wealthy Olivia Langdon in 1870. Despite the subject's well-known character flaws (no glossing over in this book), all in all, it is still an amusing biographical sketch, especially so when Twain's written humor is highlighted. New-comers to Twain should remember however that this is not a complete biography; the author lists "Mr. Clemens And Mark Twain" by Justin Kaplan, to complete the story where "Lighting Out..." leaves off.

[Patricia Zeider]

This one was fun and informative. It provides a lively picture of Twain's life in the west, where he began his writing career. For fans of Roughing It and for westerners who want to know how our part of the country influenced this great American writer.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for something to read about Twain that wouldn't require a multi-week commitment and this fit the bill. Lots of good anecdotes and period accounts made this a lively, quick read. Not the definitive Twain bio, but definitely a fun look at his influences and early writing career.

[Ann Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting on Mark Twain's western experiences (Civil War times).
Love his mind and wit

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit different than the other Mark Twain Bio's I have read. I found it well reasearched.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only read half of this good book, and then the library said it was overdue, but honest, I intend to read the rest

[Steve Shilstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decently thorough account of Sam's Roughing It years.

[Chambers Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating book about Twain's early years.
The Hawaii chapters are my favorite.

[Steven Spector · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cut out a significant portion of a man's life and this is what you get. An amusing and engaging look at a character waaaay beyond his books.

[Joni · Rating 3 out of 5]

An indepth look at Sam Clemens a.k.a. Mark Tain 's early life and reasons for "lighting out for the territory" in the American West. Insighful and thought provoking.