I'll second Michael's statements about the complexity of Twain's work, and not just in terms of Huckleberry Finn. I find Pudd'nhead Wilson even more complex and problematic. The trouble with the race/racism focus is that it is, in the long run, reductive, quite similar, actually, to the same discussion in terms of Poe. We tend to get so caught up in that singular issue that others (and there are others besides the ones Michael so cogently brings up) of equal weight get shunted aside. I find it a touch ironic that Twain's "complexity" gets cited by those defending him from racism, while the focus on racism reduces that complexity. Just a thought from the world of retirement. dennis eddings