Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Roughing It summary
Brief summary
Roughing It is a classic travel memoir by Mark Twain. It takes readers on a journey through the wild American West, filled with humorous anecdotes and vivid descriptions of the frontier life.
Topics
Table of Contents
Roughing It
Summary of key ideas
The Wild West and Its Inhabitants
In Roughing It, Mark Twain takes us on a journey through the American West in the 1860s. The book begins with the author's departure from Missouri to Nevada, where he was to work with his older brother, Orion, who had been appointed as Secretary of Nevada Territory. Twain's vivid descriptions of the landscapes, people, and the general atmosphere of the West provide a rich understanding of this period in American history.
Twain's early impressions of the West were rather bleak. The brothers arrived in Carson City, Nevada, which was a rough mining town, and Twain was struck by the lawlessness and the lack of civilization. He worked as a reporter for the local newspaper and later tried his hand at silver mining, both of which provided him with firsthand experiences of the Wild West and its inhabitants. These experiences became the basis for many of his later literary works.
Unconventional Adventures and Eccentric Characters
Twain's experiences in the West were far from conventional. He worked as a prospector, a job that entailed backbreaking labor and yielded little profit. He also spent time as a clerk in a silver mill, a job he found equally unfulfilling. Throughout these experiences, he encountered a motley crew of characters, from fellow miners and prospectors to Native Americans, each with their unique stories and eccentricities.
One of the most fascinating parts of Roughing It is Twain's account of his time in the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii). He describes the islands with great enthusiasm, highlighting their natural beauty and the customs of the native people. His adventures in Hawaii, including encounters with lepers and a near-fatal encounter with a volcano, provide a stark contrast to his experiences in the American West.
Life in the Silver Mines and Mormon Territory
Twain's time in Nevada also exposed him to the harsh realities of life in the silver mines. He vividly describes the grueling work, the harsh conditions, and the constant threat of accidents. His experiences in the mines gave him a deep appreciation for the working class and a lifelong aversion to physical labor.
After Nevada, Twain traveled to Utah, where he provides a detailed account of the Mormon settlement and their way of life. His observations of the Mormons, particularly their polygamous practices and the iron-fisted rule of Brigham Young, are both critical and deeply insightful. This section of the book offers a unique perspective on a significant chapter in American history.
Conclusion and Reflections
In the latter part of Roughing It, Twain reflects on his experiences in the West. He acknowledges the influence of these experiences on his worldview and his writing. He also comments on the rapid changes taking place in the West during the mid-19th century, driven by the Gold Rush and the expansion of the American frontier.
In conclusion, Roughing It is a captivating blend of travelogue, memoir, and social commentary. Twain's sharp wit and keen observations bring the American West to life, providing the reader with a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era. This book is not only an important historical document but also a testament to Twain's enduring literary talent.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Roughing It about?
Roughing It is a semi-autobiographical travel literature by Mark Twain. Published in 1872, it recounts Twain's adventures in the American West during the 1860s. Filled with humor and wit, the book offers a firsthand account of the rough and rugged frontier life, as well as insightful commentary on the social and political landscape of the time.
Roughing It Review
Roughing It (1872) follows Mark Twain's adventures through the American West, providing a humorous and insightful glimpse into the frontier life. Here's why this book stands out:
- Offers vivid descriptions of the untamed landscapes and colorful characters of the Wild West, immersing readers in a bygone era.
- Blends humor and satire with a keen eye for detail, providing a unique perspective on the challenges and absurdities of the time.
- The book's adventurous spirit and unexpected twists ensure that readers are constantly entertained and engaged, proving that history can be both educational and entertaining.
Who should read Roughing It?
Readers who enjoy humorous and adventurous travel narratives
Those interested in the American West during the 19th century
People who appreciate Mark Twain's wit and storytelling style
Categories with Roughing It
Book summaries like Roughing It
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Roughing It FAQs
What is the main message of Roughing It?
The main message of Roughing It is the adventurous journey through the Wild West and reflections on society.
How long does it take to read Roughing It?
Reading time for Roughing It varies but typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 15 minutes.
Is Roughing It a good book? Is it worth reading?
Roughing It is worth reading for its humorous accounts and insightful observations on the American West.
Who is the author of Roughing It?
Mark Twain is the author of Roughing It.
What to read after Roughing It?
If you're wondering what to read next after Roughing It, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Big Data by Viktor Mayer-Schönberger and Kenneth Cukier
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- On Intelligence by Jeff Hawkins and Sandra Blakeslee
- Brave New War by John Robb
- Abundance# by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler
- The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver
- You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier
- The Future of the Mind by Michio Kaku
- The Second Machine Age by Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew McAfee
- Out of Control by Kevin Kelly
Featured Titles
- Lost in Shangri-la
- MAKE: Electronics
- My Voice Will Go with You
- Neural Networks and Deep Learning
- Neural Networks for Pattern Recognition
- Paradigms of Artificial Intelligence Programming
- Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning
- Prepper's Long-Term Survival Guide
- Probabilistic Graphical Models
- Red Team Field Manual