The following letter was received with the July 1997 issue of the
_Mark Twain Society Bulletin_ (Elmira, NY), Vol. XX, No. 2. After twenty
years of publication, this is apparently the *last* issue of what has
become a modest but excellent newsletter published twice a year. Under the
editorship of Robert D. Jerome and Herbert A. Wisbey, Jr., and with the
assistance of Associate Editor, Malcolm M. Marsden, the _Bulletin_
published notable articles about Mark Twain's association with Elmira,
helpful book reviews, features on the Mark Twain Collection at Elmira
College and other items about Mark Twain.

     The current (and final) issue contains the following:

     "Elmira College's Mark Twain Collection" by Herbert A. Wisbey, Jr.
           and Mark Woodhouse.

     "International Conference, August 14-16" by Gretchen Sharlow.

     "The Mark Twain Society" (a history). unsigned.

     Book Reviews:

     _Lighting Out for the Territory; Reflections on Mark Twain and
           American Culture_ by Shelley Fisher Fishkin. Reviewed by Malcolm
           Marsden.

     _Thomas K. Beecher, Minister to a Changing America, 1824-1900_ by Myra
           C. Glenn. Reviewed by Herbert A. Wisbey, Jr.

     Insert: Index to Volumes XI-XX (1988-1997)

     The Mark Twain Society itself is "under discussion." One can only hope
that it will continue and flourish--and that one day, the _Bulletin_ will
be revived. For those of us who do not live near enough to visit Elmira
often, the Mark Twain Society and the _Bulletin_ have provided a vital link
to one of the most important sites in Mark Twain studies.
     I want to express my appreciation for the work of Robert D. Jerome,
Herbert A. Wisbey, Jr., Malcolm M. Marsden, the members of the Mark Twain
Society, and all who made the _Bulletin_ both a joy to read and a valuable
reference.

Kevin Bochynski
List Administrator
The Mark Twain Forum

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Text of letter:

Mark Twain Society, Inc.
Box 3225
Elmira, NY 14905

July 17, 1997

Letter from the Editors

We regret to announce that this issue of the _Bulletin_ is the last that we
will publish. We have reached the point where we can no longer do the job
and have not been able to find anyone willing to take it on. We have,
therefore, concluded reluctantly that this will be the last issue.

We are proud of the issues we have published in the last twenty years and
have been gratified by the response from our readers. The Mark Twain
Society, the _Bulletin's_ sponsor, was founded to publicize the author's
association with Elmira and this objective has been accomplished
successfully beyond our expectations. The _Bulletin_ was begun to print the
additional material that turned up after our book, _Mark Twain in Elmira_,
was published in 1977. We added reviews of some of the many books about
Mark Twain and these were favorably received. We thank the many people who
have assisted in producing the _Bulletin_ by writing articles, book reviews
or sending in news notes and comments.

The future of the Mark Twain Society itself is under discussion. Members
will be kept informed and will make the final decision. Suggestions will be
welcomed by the Secretary.

Herbert A. Wisbey, Jr.
Robert D. Jerome