Greetings Mark Twain Forum: The Call for Papers that preceded this email (below) on the conference this summer studying the parallel legacies of Mark Twain and Leo Tolstoy was inspired by those who contributed to the closing roundtable at Elmira this past summer. Thank you for your militant concern, and thanks to all of you these past years who have nourished my curiosities and challenged my preconceptions. I would be honored by your support and interest in this project, and especially your contribution, should you feel so inclined. Please let me know if you have any questions (or would like a copy of the tentative flyer I've designed). I would appreciate any help you might provide forwarding this Call to relevant departments, potentially interested applicants (stress grad students!!), and message boards. Thank you for your time and consideration. And given the season Happy Holidays! Alex Effgen