The Library of Congress gratefully acknowledges the work of Kevin Mac Donnell and members of the Mark Twain Forum in identifying extensive problems in the publication “Mark Twain’s America.” Since the time this was brought to our attention, the Library has been conducting a thorough review of the book, as well as a review of our publishing processes.

The Library has determined and deeply regrets that its regular and rigorous review protocols were not followed in the editing of this publication. We are identifying where and how these processes broke down in this instance and implementing measures to ensure an egregious lapse of this nature does not occur again.

We are working with the co-publisher to determine any and all potential avenues for rectifying this situation and will let the Mark Twain Forum know of the outcome.

The Library of Congress takes this situation very seriously.  Again, we are grateful to this forum and its expertise for bringing this to our attention.


Posted by Gayle Osterberg, Director of Communications
On behalf of The Library of Congress