Life on the Mississippi, Part 1

The memoir offers a vivid account of Mark Twain's experiences as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River prior to the Civil War, blending personal anecdotes with historical insights. It chronicles his journey from New Orleans to Saint Paul, interspersed with tales of his apprenticeship under seasoned pilot Horace E. Bixby. Twain's affection for the river shines through as he explores its complexities and changes, while also reflecting on its history from the time of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto.