Historians may have their complaints about Ken Burns, but like Clemens he too knows how to tell a good story.

Burns does not always tell linear stories - he shapes the facts to fit his purpose and to tell a good tale. Part 1 really showed the rise of Mark Twain. Without having seen Part 2, I am guessing that Burns has structured the show to put the emphasis on the tragic events of his life - the deaths of family members and his considerable financial problems(which were hinted at in Part 1).

Don't mistake my comments - I think this is a brillant documentary as are most of Burns works. He can present material in a way that isn't geared towards historians but rather to the public at large - and the result is he reaches more people than most documentarians. I forget who said it, but there is the old quote "never let the facts get in the way of a good story." Burns is a craftsman and these specials are... well... special!

The music is magnificent, but I found myself focusing on the tunes too much. I guess that is my bias towards folk music!

This program is superb!!

Ron