The deadline for ALA in Boston, May 21-25, is fast approaching, January 15. Please send to me if you have a proposal for the first session or want to be a part of the second.

John Bird
President, Mark Twain Circle of America
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Mark Twain and Disability
Mark Twain’s works are filled with characters who are challenged by disability, a theme he explored throughout his career. His constant focus on the body yields a rich and interesting set of themes and ideas. This session calls for papers that use the emerging field of disability studies to examine Twain’s work. Preference will be given to works that have a relatively narrow focus rather than broad overviews. Papers should have some theoretical connection to disability studies, although Twain should be the main focus. Send 250-500 word abstracts by January 15, 2015 to John Bird, [log in to unmask]

Returning to the Scene of the “Crime”: Mark Twain’s “Whittier Birthday Speech” Re-enacted and Reconsidered
Rather than a session of papers, this session will involve a re-enactment of Twain’s notorious Whittier Birthday Speech, delivered at Boston’s Hotel Brunswick in 1877, with a reading of the speech, readings of newspaper accounts, readings from letters between William Dean Howells and Twain, and readings of reminiscences by both Howells and Twain. A discussion will follow. Persons who plan to attend the conference and are willing to read parts (and thus join the company of The Mark Twain Players) should contact John Bird by January 15, 2015. Scripts will be distributed in advance of the conference. Send to
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