Twain/Lit people please note.  A friend asked me this question about studies of the relationship between Twain's writing style and his venues.  I think it's a fascinating topic but not one I'm up on.  Can anyone help her?


Reply to me via the Forum, and I'll buck the replies to her.  Thanks, everyone!  --susan harris


Susan K. Harris


________________________________
From: Shaker, Bonnie <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, February 9, 2018 9:17 AM
To: Harris, Susan Kumin
Subject: Twain: pay-per-word and style?

Hi Susan,

I hope your post-conference time finds you well!

I am preparing an article on the importance of studying the material contingencies of literary writing, and I wondered if Twain might provide a useful example.

Has there been work equating Twain's style or length of prose with the material conditions of production for sequel magazine installments paid by the word? Or has this approach been debunked by scholars as a way to view Twain's writing? Do you have suggestions of work I should consult? (mine is not a piece on Twain, just American magazine writing in the 19th-c.).

I will certainly conduct my own research, but for a North Star pointing me in a direction, I could think of no one better than you.

Wishing you all the best,
Bonnie


Bonnie Shaker, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of English
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