Mark Twain's Shortest Publishing Writing...
With no correct answers, I've decided to declare the contest over.
The correct answer is YES.
Here's the context---
The magazine, The Critic, sent a question out to a number of authors posing a question based on a maxim by Horace in DE ARTE POETICA LIBER: "Is it necessary that an author who wishes his readers to weep should first weep himself?"
Twain's reply, in a letter from Hartford dated March 9, 1888, was simply "Yes" and appeared in the March 24, 1888 issue of the magazine (p. 136) along with replies from many other authors, all of whom gave longer replies, some bordering on short essays. Among the bloviators were Edward Eggleston, Edward Everett Hale, Thomas Bailey Aldrich, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Thomas Janvier, George W. Cable, Howard Pyle, Brander Matthews, George Parsons Lathrop, Frank R. Stockton, and others. Quite a few of these other authors were friends of Twain. To modern eyes, the question posed might seem maudlin, but it was posed at the height of American realism, and had genuine contemporary relevance. After all, a few years later Stephen Crane wrote a war story without having fought in battle himself. Twain's reply could have been shorter if he'd replied in the negative, but his affirmative reply should not be surprising considering that his greatest works were largely autobiographical, drawn from the people and places and events he'd experienced himself. All Mark Twain Forum members probably share a regret that he did not explain his answer. For the full text of the article and replying letters in The Critic, go to Google Books and search the keywords "Twain Horace weep Critic" and enjoy.
I've still got this extra copy of WHO IS MARK TWAIN? and if somebody has an idea for a contest question, let me know...
Kevin
@
Mac Donnell Rare Books
9307 Glenlake Drive
Austin TX 78730
512-345-4139
Member: ABAA, ILAB
*************************
You may browse our books at
www.macdonnellrarebooks.com
Kevin
@
Mac Donnell Rare Books
9307 Glenlake Drive
Austin TX 78730
512-345-4139
Member: ABAA, ILAB
*************************
You may browse our books at
www.macdonnellrarebooks.com
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