I too was bemused by the Steve Martin recognition - - and I'm a fan. While he's truly talented and his writing is engaging and humorous, his work doesn't capture Twain's social observations. Neither does Whoopee Goldberg. The social satire of George Carlin may be considered over the top, as well as the humor-devoid political ideologies of Maureen Dowd and Frank Rich. Those who write in the spirit of Twain first should be so awarded. Maybe Al Franken or Hunter S. Thompson, posthumously? Thanks, Charlie Cogar