Steve makes a very good point. But it's sometimes hard to tell where satire ends and genuine prejudice begins. Unsophisticated readers have this problem with Huckleberry Finn, but a similar problem arises when reading Twain's public writings versus his letters and annotations in his books. Twain, of course, was well-aware that others would read his library annotations, and he also knew that his letters would often be published, with or without his permission. On the subject of Indians, I can give two examples from late in his life, the first being some annotations in a book from his library; the second a letter he wrote to an author, knowing that it would probably be used to puff the author's book. In Natalie Curtis Burlin's THE INDIANS' BOOK... NY: Harper, 1907, Twain wrote on the inside front cover: "A book made & illustrated/ by Indians./ SL Clemens/ 1907/ November/ 21 Fifth Ave." The book was a beautiful production, full of lore, music, and narratives by American Indians, celebrating their culture and art. It is a book still admired and widely collected today. This book, published by Harper Brothers, was probably sent to Twain by the publisher, who regularly sent him their publications at that period. Opposite page 98, above the portrait of a Pawnee chief or warrior in full ceremonial dress with bear-claw necklace and a striking feathered and big-beaked head-dress, Twain wrote "My, but he is wickedly handsome!" The book is 574pp. but Twain only opened pp. i-x, 32-45, 99-114, and 243-46, mostly sections on western tribes. The condition of the book and his sparse comments would seem to indicate he took little interest in the fascinating contents, and I'll leave it others to decide if his annotations are snarky, condescending, or admiring.. But another book about Indians certainly captured his interest in 1909. Oscar G Wall's RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SIOUX MASSACRE provoked a letter of endorsement from Twain dated Nov 8, 1909, that reads: "Mr O G Wall-- Dear Sir: I find your history of the Great Massacre blood-curdlingly & most pathetically interesting. I am able to [the word "repeat" crossed out] endorse General Hubbard's compliment & highly commend the literary excellence of the book. Very truly yours SL. Clemens." This letter was reprinted in facsimile in blood red ink as an advertising flyer for Wall's book. Judging from the wording, I'd assume Twain knew or suspected it might be used this way --although he probably didn't know they'd use red ink. I have not read a text of General Hubbard's "compliment." Whatever evolutions took place in Twain's thinking about other races and nationalities, I'd suppose from the above (admittedly slight) evidence that even in his very last years Twain was more interested in reading stories of Indian depredations than acquainting himself with the positive aspects of their literature, art, music, and culture. But I'd love to see more evidence, and learn otherwise. Kevin @ Mac Donnell Rare Books 9307 Glenlake Drive Austin TX 78730 512-345-4139 Member: ABAA, ILAB ************************* You may browse our books at www.macdonnellrarebooks.com ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1321 / Virus Database: 1500/3594 - Release Date: 04/24/11