Parents with their children, history buffs and readers of Mark Twain's books packed the Whitehall Township Public Library April 14, when Charles Kiernan, in the persona of the American author, regaled the audience with stories of Twain's childhood, life on the Mississippi and international success as an author.

Dressed in a white suit and black bow tie, Kiernan strode back and forth in front of the audience. His every movement and word enthralled the crowd as they went back in time through Twain's remarkable life and career.

With his white flowing hair and mustache, Kiernan, holding a cigar, pulled Twain's storied life from the pages of books and presented it to the audience, which grasped the energy and wit of Twain's anecdotes.

Authoring the novels "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "Innocents Abroad," made Twain one of the country's most renowned writers. His books are those children grew up with, read in schools everywhere.

Kiernan spoke of Twain's childhood, the Civil War, adventures in California, friendship with General Ulysses Grant and the book publishing business.

Twain died in 1910 at the age of 74, but his books and Kiernan's work keep him alive forever.

Kiernan, who lives in Schnecksville, speaks across the country, from California to Virginia. His oratory, humor and historical facts paint images with words and expressions.