Wonder why all the suggested recommendations for Twain bios neglected the inclusion of Hoffman's Inventing Mark Twain: The Lives of Samuel L. Clemens? Amazing how the controversy of one page seems to negate the other 504. I realise my defense of Hoffman's bio might make me a social pariah to other members, but in all fairness both to Twain and Mr. Hoffman, his book certainly should be included in a list of scholarly biographies. Warmly, Richard R. Salassi "A Visit with Mark Twain"