I have just returned from the conference in Elmira on "The State of Mark Twain ? Studies" where I saw Andy Hoffman present a paper in which he proposes that Twain had several romantic relationships with men most notably Dan de Quille and Clement Rice during his Virginia City days. Mr. Hoffman is presently working on a general interest bio. of MT for Wm. Morrow which will be published in '94. An early announcement of this supposition is certain to generate discussion and controversy, two conditions which will surely boost sales. Mr. Hoffman's motives may be pure and scholarly, but it's difficult not to call those motives into question based on the scant evidence he has built his own Coit Tower on for public display. What do you think out there? Is it a possibility that Twain bedded down with bohemian buddies since female companionship was scarce and costly? If so, does it help us to better understand his work, the lack of sexually mature women characters for example? I have some thoughts, but let us hear from you on this newest wrinkle in the shaping of our revered public figures. Alan C. Reese Baltimore, MD