The Wayward Tourist

Mark Twain's Adventures in Australia

Mark Twain

The bestselling book that republished Mark Twain's adventures about his time in Australia, The Wayward Tourist is now in paperback form.

Opinion

"Painting a backdrop of literary America in the latter half of the 19th century, Watson aligns himself with Twain against the literary brahmins back home who never accepted him or his work. The introduction alone is worth the price of the book."
Adair Jones, Courier Mail, 25.11.2006

Twain's slim collection is just as essential a companion as Lawrence's to any Australian history you may have read. It should prompt all of us to read more about our curious continent.
John Clare, Sun Herald, 14.01.2007

About this Title

At the height of his fame, Mark Twain, the great writer and humorist from Missouri, was facing financial ruin from one of his failed business ventures. Broke but much loved he embarked on a money-raising lecture tour around the equator, making a stop in Australia.

The Wayward Tourist republishes Mark Twain's Australian travel writing in which he recounts impressions of Sydney ('God made the Harbor . . . but Satan made Sydney') and his view of Australian history ('[it reads] like the most beautiful lies').

In his introduction, Don Watson brilliantly pays homage to America's 'funny man' who brought his swagger, love of language and wicked talent for observation to our shores.

About the Author

Don Watson is the author of several books including the bestsellers, Recollections of a Bleeding Heart: Paul Keating Prime Minister, Death Sentence and Watson's Dictionary of Weasel Words.