Huckleberry Finn on This Day in History

Watch: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

This Day In History: Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was published on this day in 1884. Now when Huck Finn book is mentioned, it is done so in terms of it supposed racism. Mark Twain is not alone. When judging the past in terms of modern pearl clutching morals, few older books walk away unscathed. Willy Wonka, Sherlock Holmes, To Kill a Mockingbird, Narnia, Agatha Christie, Secret Garden, Little House on the Prairie, Rudyard Kipling, Babar the Elephant, Dr Dolittle etc., are all under scrutiny with similar accusations.

There is so much in older classical literature to be offended by in our present politically correct atmosphere: the patriarchy, the lack of diversity, straight couples, Euro-centrism, gilded age capitalism, etc. Did you know that we have lost 14 IQ points since the Victorian era? Perhaps we are in a bad position to be judging our betters.

I often wonder how many of our modern books will be unable to pass some moral test in the future that we, at present cannot even perceive of, especially as the Overton Window shifts day after day.

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In old American English slang. The phrase "a huckleberry over my persimmon" meant "a bit beyond my abilities." "I'm your huckleberry" (Doc Holliday, Tombstone) is another way of saying that you are the right man for the job.

Listen to the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn