Dear Lloyd,

If you are looking for quick references (as your mention of Rasmussen seems to
indicate) you might also look at The Mark Twain Encyclopedia, edited by J.R.
LeMaster and James D. Wilson (1993).  It may give you a quick look at some
things that interest you, and will suggest additional sources in whatever
"category" you have referenced.  Good luck in your search, and happy reading!

Jan McStras
St. Louis U.

Lloyd J Grant wrote:

> Robert,  I must confess that I am a genuine neophyte in this subject area.
> While searching for the source of Twains comparison of the Comanche to the
> Frenchman ( which I mistakenly believed was " Travels Out West"), I met
> Barbara Schultz who kindly pointed me to the corrct source, and suggested
> this forum.  I owe her a debt of gratitude in  both respects.
>
> The public library here in Lakeland, Fl. is essentially supported by public
> donations and leaves a lot to be desired in terms of selection ( ie. there
> are less than ten books on the shelves with Mark Twains name on them).  The
> saving grace is that there is an inter-library loan system in place;  it is
> cumbersome, but works well if one has the patience to employ it.  I am
> currently awaiting the arrival of " Letters From The Earth".  I have not
> looked in the reference section to see if Mr. Rasmussens' tome is on hand.
> I guarantee that it will be on my "shopping list" on my next visit.  This
> reference too has been suggested several times along with Kaplans biography.
>
> As I may have stated previously, I have a great deal of reading to do before
> I will trust myself to venture very many questions to this forum, let alone
> feel in any way competant to suggest an interpretation, or analysis.  In the
> "ivied halls" of scholastic endeavor, I would describe myself as a janitor
> who has an affinity for reading.
>
> Your kind advice and guidance, and that of other respondants, is warmly
> appreciated by this " janitor".
>
> Thank you, sir, and very best wishes.
>
> Lloyd Grant
> Coyote Communications, Inc.
> Lakeland, Florida.
> ( budding Twainiac )
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Robert Slotta" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Monday, July 23, 2001 12:17 AM
> Subject: A good start at a definitive Mark Twain biography - Mark Twain A to
> Z
>
> >I just thought that it would be of great
> > value to anyone seeking a one volume source of information about Mark
> Twain
> > to consider "Mark Twain A to Z- The Essential Reference to His Life and
> > Writings" by R. Kent Rasmussen (ISBN 0-8160-2845-1). It is definitely a
> top
> > contender for being the "most definitive" single volume Mark Twain
> biography
> > available to the general public.
>
> What is THE definitive biography of Mark Twain? This
> > question leaves us with choices of opinions rather than pointing to a
> > definitive answer because in truth there is not any definitive Mark Twain
> > biography, nor even a definitive bibliography. Perhaps someone will hear
> > this battle cry and undertake this endeavor!
> >
> > Twainiacally Yours,
> >
> > Bob Slotta  www.marktwainmemorabilia.com
> > 3528 Mark Twain Drive
> > Hilliard, OH 43026