Includes bibliographical references.

Inviting readers to participate in literary debate, this important case study of Mark Twain's celebrated novel reprints the 1885 first edition along with critical essays on the major controversies surrounding the novel today. The eighteen essays center on three current critical questions about Huckleberry Finn: Is the ending a success or a failure? Is the text racist? What role do gender and sexuality play in the work? The novel and the essays are supported by distinctive editorial material that helps readers grapple not only with the novel's critical issues but also with cultural debates about literature itself. The editors have provided an introduction to critical conflict in literary studies, a biographical essay on Mark Twain and the reception of Huckleberry Finn, introductions to the controversies (with bibliographies), and a headnote for each selection.