I see by the papers that a researcher, while delving through Mark Twain's papers, discovered a new play, a comedy inappropriately named "Is He Dead?" It is like discovering a Mozart opera or a Beethoven symphony. It got glowing reviews!

Mark Twain's book Huckleberry Finn is still considered the best American novel. It deals with slavery in a method that is sad and also humorous. Poking fun at the establishment is an old Twain habit.

We visited the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, CT. It is a 19-room mansion decorated by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Twain lived there from 1874-1891. It is a place where he experienced much happiness with his family and, also, utter despair.

Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorn Clemens) had three daughters. He witnessed their deaths at relatively young ages. His wife also died prematurely. It was at this time that he attempted to become a wealthy capitalist by investing in a printing press. Alas, someone beat him to the gate and he lost a lot of money.

That caused him to go on the road in his stark white suit and give lectures all over the world. The money sustained him until his death on April 21, 1910. He was born in the year of Haley's Comet and died when it appeared again 75 years later.

- Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to.

Following the Equator, Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar

- We ought never to do wrong when people are looking.

A Double-Barreled Detective Story

- Never tell the truth to people who are not worthy of it.

Notebook, 1902

- Always obey your parents when they are present.

Advice to Youth 5/15/1882

- A full belly is little worth where the mind is starved.

The Prince and the Pauper, Chapt. IV

- Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits.

Pudd'nhead Wilson

- Character is the architect of achievements.

Lecture - Defense of General Funston

- Always respect your superiors, if you have any.

Advice to Youth, 5/15/1882

- Prosperity is the best protector of principle.

Following the Equator: Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar

- An uneasy conscience is a hair in the mouth.

Notebook, 1904

- There is no sadder thing than a young pessimist, except an old optimist.

Mark Twain's Notebook, 1902-1903

- Architects cannot teach nature anything.

Memorable Midnight Experience

- The man with new idea is a crank until the idea succeeds.

Following the Equator

- All good things arrive unto them that wait - and don't die in the meantime.

Letter from SLC to Orion

The most famous quote - The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.