To the Person Sitting in Darkness
To the Person Sitting in Darkness, published in the North American Review in February 1901, is Mark Twain's most famous attack on imperialism. With savage irony he imagines the Blessings-of-Civilization Trust, which has done good business bringing light to the people who sit in darkness, and asks whether the trade is wise when its customers may begin to see what lies behind the products. He takes as examples the conduct of the Western powers in China after the Boxer rising, Britain in South Africa and the United States in the Philippines, where the promise of liberation turned into a war of conquest. Bitter and funny, the essay caused a storm and remains a classic of political satire. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the opening pages free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about To the Person Sitting in Darkness
To the Person Sitting in Darkness by Mark Twain can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read To the Person Sitting in Darkness online?
Yes. To the Person Sitting in Darkness opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is To the Person Sitting in Darkness free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of To the Person Sitting in Darkness is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is To the Person Sitting in Darkness in the public domain?
Yes. To the Person Sitting in Darkness by Mark Twain is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read To the Person Sitting in Darkness?
About 19 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is To the Person Sitting in Darkness?
To the Person Sitting in Darkness by Mark Twain is filed under "History" in the Vinteuil library.
