Book excerpt: Introducing Diversion Classics, an illustrated series that showcases great works of literature from the world's most beloved authors. LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI is the definitive guide to the Mississippi River Valley, and who better to illustrate this colorful region than Mark Twain? Drawing on boyhood memories, historical records, and tall tales, Twain crafts a portrait of the place where he spent his formative years. Both witty and informative, this classic travel narrative is an ideal companion to Twain’s Mississippi River novels, THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN and TOM SAWYER.