On Thu, May 27, 2010 at 10:16 AM, David Davis <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Well, it is not formally structured as a lifetime achievement award.
>
>

The website puts it this way:

The Mark Twain Prize recognizes people who have had an impact on American
society in ways similar to the distinguished 19th century novelist and
essayist best known as Mark Twain. As a social commentator, satirist and
creator of characters, Samuel Clemens was a fearless observer of society,
who startled many while delighting and informing many more with his
uncompromising perspective of social injustice and personal folly. He
revealed the great truth of humor when he said "against the assault of
laughter nothing can stand."


I think if you look at the list of winners, however, it has generally been
awarded to older members of the profession who have made "an impact on
American society" --so yes and know, I guess.


-- 
Harold K. Bush, Ph.D
Professor of English
Saint Louis University
St. Louis, MO  63108
314-977-3616 (w); 314-771-6795 (h)
<www.slu.edu/x23809.xml>