Yesterday. Victor Doyno launched the public launch of the new edition of Huck with an appearance at the Smithsonian here in Washington. An interesting talk, with good examples of revisions and why MT might have made them. For the rest, Doyno's take on HF for the general audience might have struck Sam as sentimental: Huck now is transcending not just racism but also child abuse and extreme poverty. But there were interesting questions and clear signs (if we needed them) that Huck is still a draw. And oh yes, the new edition was on sale in the lobby, at 10% off if you're a Smithsonian Associate. This is both cheaper and more dignified than removing it from a hotel mini-bar. I heard one man ask if the author would be autographing copies (he was kidding), only to get an astonished look on his face when the answer was yes. The autographer was Doyno, of course. Another sign of the death of the author and the rise of the critic. Glen Johnson Catholic Univ.