Apparently what I heard or read (?) was not accurate, according to the
publisher's
preface to the illustrated Benton book.  It says he was awarded, in
1938, a
"Fellowship in Book Illustration"  by
a committee of five top art critics."  Says he was one of five "from
America's
greatest living painters."  It further states that when he was asked
"what book
he would most like to illustrate," he responded: "Huckleberry Finn."
Benton was
born in Neosho MO, and said he had been reading "Huckleberry Finn at
least once
  every year since the age of six." If anyone has added info re how much
he was
paid and any more about his fondness for the book or Twain, please
share it?

Ron Owens