I think I may have found my critical credo from Thomas Jefferson. Reading some of his works, I spotted his notion that the study of theory is as useful as studying women's fashions: they are fleeting and transitiory. He advocated studing the thing itself instead. Amen. Which aroused my curiosity: Tom Paine is oft cited as an influence on Messr. Clemens, and Pacal Covici traced the literary line from Franklin to Twain. But I can't think of anyone discussing possible influences of the far more symatic Jefferson on our author. Any thots on the subject? wes britton