It's also not so difficult to credit that editor with having his tongue in his cheek. Kevin @ Mac Donnell Rare Books 9307 Glenlake Drive Austin TX 78730 512-345-4139 Member: ABAA, ILAB, BSA You can browse our books at: www.macdonnellrarebooks.com ------ Original Message ------ From: "Clay Shannon" <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Sent: 9/2/2019 11:47:43 AM Subject: Twain was pulling Orion's leg, right? >In a February 6, 1862 letter to his brother Orion, Twain described a visit to a fortune-teller, in which he quotes her as saying many things about his brother (Orion), such as, "..he is too visionary--is always flying off on a new hobby; this will never do--tell him I said so." &c > >To me, it's pretty obvious that Twain is pulling Orion's leg, or trying to counsel him, by relating this "conversation." >The editor of Twain's letters, though, seems to take Twain's account as "gospel," though, writing: >"It is not so difficult to credit Madame Caprell with clairvoyant powers when one has read the letters of Samuel Clemens up to this point." >My reaction is, "What!?! Don't you know Twain was a kidder from the cradle and remained one all his life? And that he would not miss an opportunity to tease his brother thus?" >What do y'all think? >- B. Clay Shannon >