Mark Twain, known for his sharp observations and humor, embarked on a journey as a journalist for the Alta California and Herald Tribune newspapers as part of the first organized group of American tourists to sail around the world.

Upon learning about the plans of the Quaker City for a world voyage, Twain convinced Alta California editor Colonel John McComb to let him join the trip in exchange for writing reports. He promised to describe everything so vividly that readers would be able to “see it all with their own eyes.”

Odesa was not included in the planned ports of call, but fate intervened. The Quaker City needed coal, and this forced the ship to stop at our city’s port on the morning of August 25, 1867.

In his book The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrims’ Progress, the writer noted that the city reminded him of his native America — with its layout and “business bustle.” However, apart from the monument to Richelieu and what would later become the Potemkin Stairs, Mark Twain found no other notable attractions in Odesa.

“In appearance, Odesa is a real American city: beautiful wide streets, all straight, low buildings, and along the sidewalks our white locust trees; a business-like bustle in the streets and shops. I saw nothing to suggest that we were in Russia. Look right, left — everywhere America!.. We came across just two monuments... One — a bronze statue of the Duke de Richelieu, great-grandson of the famous cardinal. He stands above the sea on a broad beautiful boulevard, and from his feet descends to the harbor a giant stone staircase — it has two hundred steps, each fifty feet long, and after every twenty steps there is a spacious landing. It is a wonderful staircase, and when people climb it, from afar they look just like ants.” — Twain wrote.

All of Mark Twain’s greatest works were written after his marriage. Olivia served as his editor, whose judgment he followed unquestioningly. She can be considered Twain’s co-author.

“When my wife and I disagree, we do as she wishes. My wife calls it a compromise,” he joked.