Preface Summary

In the brief preface, Mark Twain tells his readers that this autobiography is not being published until after his death. He wants to speak "from the grave," because he wants to speak freely. He wants to speak as freely, he says, as a person does when writing a love letter and assured of privacy.

Preface Analysis

In these three paragraphs, Twain reveals his sharp insight into his own nature and human nature in general. He also hints that this autobiography is to be his love letter to a life he lived deeply and completely.