----------------------------Original message---------------------------- I would appreciate your posting this to the Twain discussion group. I am not hav ing much success. Taylor, Just what is your definition of "Political Correctness"? I refuse to be swept under that all purpose rug. I would, though, like to know what your de finition of the term is. I agree that my contribution to Mark Twain's Humor does not immediately add ress the title topic, yet I think that Sloane was trying to chart a path for new Twain scholars hip in addition to recognizing past contributions. I'd also appreciate being filled in on what you mean by stating that my essay was "an attempt to touch all the bases"; just whose bases am I tou ching? All I've done in my essay is touch upon the stunningly obvious--the dearth of female Twai n biographers/scholars and the lack of scholarly attention to the interaction Twai n had with the female members of his family and professional female colleagues. If there was p altry evidence of this, then I might accept the "political correctness" brush-off. But since Twain corresponded with over 100 powerful, professional women writers, reformers, educators, journalists I think this is an important area of his life and career not yet addressed in scholarship. Hmmmmm? Laura Skandera-Trombley