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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Huckleberries Online

Mark Twain Papers To Be Published

Item: After keeping us waiting for a century, Mark Twain will finally reveal all: The great American writer left instructions not to publish his autobiography until 100 years after his death, which is now/Guy Adams, The Independent

More Info: Scholars are divided as to why Twain wanted the first-hand account of his life kept under wraps for so long. Some believe it was because he wanted to talk freely about issues such as religion and politics. Others argue that the time lag prevented him from having to worry about offending friends. One thing's for sure: by delaying publication, the author, who was fond of his celebrity status, has ensured that he'll be gossiped about during the 21st century.

Question: Why do you think Mark Twain sealed his autobiography until 100 years after his death, which is now?



D.F. Oliveria
D.F. (Dave) Oliveria joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently is a columnist and compiles the Huckleberries Online blog and writes about North Idaho in his Huckleberries column.

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