Life on the Mississippi

Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain

Mark Twain's writing is fresh and witty, even a century and half later. This is a memoir by Twain that focuses on his experiences on the Mississippi. Boats going between Cairo and New Orleans were a primary means of mobility in the pre-railroad era. They were so dominate, that a union of pilots could extract extremely high wages and salaries. This all came to an end when railroads and barges started plying the waters. 

He provides many insights of the river towns of the day. Near the end, he explores the "upper Mississippi" above St. Louis. These cities were growing quickly, from nothing to tens of thousands people. Great sunrises can be seen from cities like Muscatine. Railroad bridges now cross in multiple places. It is a study in technology and growth.

Twain includes historical background and personal experiences as well as many insights and observations. This is a great source of historical information as well as an entertaining read.