*CALL FOR PAPERS* *8th International State of Mark Twain Studies Conference* *“The Assault of Laughter”* *Elmira College* *Elmira, NY* *3-6 August 2017* Established in 1989, the Elmira College “International State of Mark Twain Studies” conference is the oldest and largest academic gathering devoted to all things Twain. The 8th quadrennial conference, centered around the theme, “The Assault of Laughter,” will take place 3-6 August 2017. We invite papers on any aspect of Mark Twain’s work and legacy, but have a particular interest in the topics listed below: MT and Satire MT: Insult and Invective MT and Politics—Then and Now MT as Cultural Icon: Use and Abuse MT and Home MT and the Art of Irreverence MT and Gender MT: Friends and Enemies MT and Talk MT and Grief MT, Correspondent: Public and Private MT and Immigration MT and Violence MT and Vernacular MT and Public Discourse MT and The Seduction of Laughter MT and Political (In) Correctness MT Visions and Revisions MT and His Demons MT and the Quaker City Cruise MT and Economics “Twain’s End”: Reassessments MT and Education MT in Theory The State of MT Biography MT and Realism The complete *Autobiography* Developed abstracts (700 words) should be sent as an electronic attachment to *[log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>* by Monday 6 February 2017. Include a cover letter containing your contact information (name, mailing address, etc.) in the body of the email. Final papers must be suitable for 20-minute presentation. Proposals will be reviewed anonymously by members of the conference planning committee. Dr. Joseph Lemak Director of the Center for Mark Twain Studies Elmira College The Rose Office, Cowles Hall (607) 735-1941 Elmira College Center for Mark Twain Studies <http://www.marktwainstudies.org>