In response to the question as to whether MT was familiar with Bulwer-Lytton--yes. Several of his books were in Twain's library, with notations indicating he had read them. He doesn't seem always to have been greatly impressed by him. Apparently Paine once said that Twain hadn't read Lytton--"couldn't read him at any length" but Gribben seems to think that Twain's extensive marginalia proves otherwise. I got the Gribben volumes from the UIUC library and am loath to return them. It's perfectly fascinating to see what a variety of books Twain owned, and, most likely, read. Athan