Dear Mark Twain: Letters from His Readers Volume 4 (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780520261341)

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.

Author: R. Kent Rasmussen
ISBN-10: 0520261348
ISBN-13: 9780520261341
Publisher: University of California Press
Language: English
Published: 04/21/2013
Pages: 316
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.25lbs
Size: 9.16h x 6.42w x 0.95d

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2013
Library Journal 04/01/2013 pg. 80