Dear Mark Twain : letters from his readers / edited by R. Kent Rasmussen.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Rasmussen, R. Kent.

Twain, Mark, 1835-1910.

Series:

Twain, Mark, 1835-1910. Jumping frogs ; 4.

Jumping frogs : undiscovered, rediscovered, and celebrated writings of Mark Twain ; 4

Jumping Frogs: Undiscovered, Rediscovered, and Celebrated Writings of Mark Twain

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Twain, Mark, 1835-1910. Correspondence.

Twain, Mark.

Authors, American--19th century--Correspondence.

Authors, American.

Authors and readers--United States.

Authors and readers.

Humorists, American--19th century--Correspondence.

Humorists, American.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (315 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Berkeley : University of California Press, c2013.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

A voracious pack-rat, Mark Twain hoarded his readers' letters as did few of his contemporaries. Dear Mark Twain collects 200 of these letters written by a diverse cross-section of correspondents from around the world-children, farmers, schoolteachers, businessmen, preachers, railroad clerks, inmates of mental institutions, con artists, and even a former president. It is a unique and groundbreaking book-the first published collection of reader letters to any writer of Mark Twain's time. Its contents afford a rare and exhilarating glimpse into the sensibilities of nineteenth-century people while revealing the impact Samuel L. Clemens had on his readers. Clemens's own and often startling comments and replies are also included. R. Kent Rasmussen's extensive research provides fascinating profiles of the correspondents, whose personal stories are often as interesting as their letters. Ranging from gushing fan appreciations and requests for help and advice to suggestions for writing projects and stinging criticisms, the letters are filled with perceptive insights, pathos, and unintentional but often riotous humor. Many are deeply moving, more than a few are hilarious, some may be shocking, but none are dull.

Contents:

Front matter

Contents

Illustrations

Foreword

Introduction

Note on Texts

1861-1870

1871-1880

1881-1890

1891-1900

1901-1910

Note on Sources

Acknowledgments

Index of Correspondents' Locations

Index of Mark Twain Characters and Works

General Subject Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

ISBN:

9780520955165

0520955161

OCLC:

829459955