The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 4: To California and Return

Name: The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 4: To California and Return
Author: Artemus Ward

By Artemus Ward

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Humour Travel Writing

About This Book

A sequence of comic travel sketches recounts a journey from eastern ports across isthmuses, desert and mountain routes to western mining towns and back, presenting episodic scenes of crowded steamship passages and arduous stage and sleigh travel. Slapstick incidents and vivid frontier description are paired with satirical portraits of local characters, communities, and religious practices encountered along the way. Parodies, mock documents, poems and theatrical pieces punctuate the accounts, emphasizing burlesque observation and social eccentricity over formal reportage to produce an energetic, humorous chronicle of period travel.

About the Author

Artemus Ward

Artemus Ward was the pen name of Charles Farrar Browne, an American humorist and writer active in the mid-19th century. Known for his satirical and comedic essays, Ward's work often reflected the social and political issues of his time, blending humor with keen observations. His most notable work, "The Complete Works of Artemus Ward," showcases a variety of essays, sketches, and letters that highlight his unique voice and wit. Through his performances and writings, he contributed significantly to the landscape of American humor, influencing future generations of comedians and writers.