Understanding Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

the long version

Since the time of its publication in 1884, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has generated heated controversy. One of the most frequently banned books in the history of literature, it raises issues of race relations, censorship, civil disobedience, and adolescent group psychology as relevant today as they were in the 1880s. This collection of historical documents, collateral readings, and commentary will promote interdisciplinary study of the novel and enrich the student's understanding of the issues raised. It captures the stormy character of the slave-holding frontier on the eve of war and highlights the legacy of those conflicts in contemporary society. This is an ideal companion for teacher use and student research in interdisciplinary, English, and American history courses.