Summary:
"Little Masterpieces of American Wit and Humor, Volume II" by Thomas L. Masson is a collection of humorous writings and short stories compiled in the early 20th century. This volume features a variety of contributions from notable American authors such as Bret Harte, Mark Twain, and Oliver Wendell Holmes, showcasing their wit through anecdotes, fables, and comic sketches that explore everyday life and human nature. The opening portion of the volume introduces several pieces, starting with "A Bully Boat and a Brag Captain," which humorously recounts a steamboat journey along the Mississippi River led by a good-natured captain with a proclivity for card games. We also see a fable from Ambrose Bierce about a dog facing off with bees, highlighting the folly of overzealous actions. Additional segments include Oliver Wendell Holmes' reflections on dislike and personal aversions, laying a light-hearted foundation for the witty exploration of human quirks and social interactions that follows throughout the collection. Each piece captures unique aspects of American humor, making it a delightful read for those interested in classic wit. (This is an automatically generated summary.)