Sam was not a man of letters in the commonly accepted tradition, yet he was gifted with an insight that most of us overlook in our personal lives. I am new here, not a Mark Twain scholar, just a dedicated friend who has not been paying attention. What inspired this gifted man to learn the history that embellishes his writings? He was not "formally Educated". I have much reading to do, but I am not cloistered. I am here to rely on you. And rely on you , I will. I am here to learn, not pontificate. Thank you all for sharing this fine parlor, with the likes of me. L. Grant