Friends; it's been almost a year and I was wondering if any sort of consensus among scholars is emerging, re: the claims of Susan Bailey as descendant of MT? In particular, in rereading the Forum review today, I noted this comment: "DNA tests to date have been promising, and conclusive results are within reach. Kevin Mac Donnell -- the generous Mark Twain scholar and collector, who has items from Clara Clemens' estate, including letters and photographs -- stepped forward this week with an offer to donate envelope flaps and postage stamps for additional DNA testing. Susan Bailey has accepted the offer, and they are hoping that a specialized lab that analyzes such items will be able to resolve this important historical question." Taylor, Kevin, Barb: has anything conclusive emerged from the further DNA testing? I was thinking about all this in prep for the Hannibal conference, where Bailey is to appear. I'm also curious as to why this book was self-published and not scooped up by a trade press. Or even a film company option, at the very least on the History Channel. Any thoughts are appreciated... -hb -- Prof. Harold K. Bush Professor of English 3800 Lindell Saint Louis University St. Louis, MO 63108 314-977-3616 (w); 314-771-6795 (h) <www.slu.edu/x23809.xml>