Rasmussen, R. Kent (Twain, Mark)

Mark Twain A-Z: The Essential Reference to His Life and Writings

ISBN: 0195110285
New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1996. First Softcover Edition Thus. Softcover. "Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, has long been regarded as the quintessential American writer. He was beloved, widely read, and famous in his own time, and his stature has only grown in our time. Mark Twain is an American icon, a celebrated personality whose real-life adventures and fictional tales have taken on mythic proportions. Until now, tracking down information on Mark Twain was arduous at best. In Mark Twain A to Z, R. Kent Rasmussen brings together every aspect of Mark Twain's complex life and writings in one easy-to-use volume. Thoroughly cross-referenced and extensively indexed, with nearly 1,250 entries and more than 130 illustrations, this remarkable guide is an authoritative and indispensable reference to one of the most popular and original writers who ever lived." (from back cover) Arranged in the manner of a dictionary or encyclopedia, this acclaimed reference work is a veritable bible for readers, collectors & scholars of Mark Twain (1835-1910), the indeed quintessential American humorist & author- as well as a clear ancestor-inspiration of the Beat Generation. The centerpiece of many Twain-related anthologies & reference works for children & adults by supreme Twain authority R. Kent Rasmussen. Large-format first softcover edition thus, first printing as indicated by number sequence on copyright page. Preceded the previous year (1995) by a hardcover edition issued by a different, non-academic publisher. The prestigious Oxford University Press published this edition when the American Library Association recognized it as an "Outstanding Reference," as noted on back cover. Among the laudatory quotes thereon, this by the Philadelphia Enquirer most succinctly sums it up: "For the total Twain nut, the most comprehensive reference work ever done." Undoubtedly it has still not been surpassed a quarter-century later as of this writing, & unlikely ever will be. A most essential Mark Twain Resource; & a desirable collectible itself. In very fine condition with only very light rubbing to front, back covers & spine; a few tiny bumps & short, faint creases at thin edges & corners of same; several very thin, faint vertical creases across length of spine; very slight rubbing & spotting to edges of text block; one very small, light stain at upper edge of same at/ near spine. Interior very fine with only tiny bumps at mostly upper corners of a few page leaves. Very Fine. [Item #4361]

Price: $30.00