Tag Archives: Mark Twain

Please Close The Door

Posted on January 30, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

I always enjoy a good Mark Twain anecdote and this one tickled my fancy. In 1908 burglars surreptiously entered his Hartford mansion and stole a set of silverware from the sideboard. In response, he posted this notice on the front … Continue reading →

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Memorable Opening Lines

Posted on July 3, 2020 by Brian D. Butler

In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. — F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby (1925) I lost an arm on my last trip home. — Octavia Butler, Kindred (1979) Once … Continue reading →

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Mark Twain Travel Writer

Posted on December 10, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

When we think about the great 19th century American writer Mark Twain, his lauded Mississippi River novels usually come to mind. However, it was the 1869 travel book The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrim’s Progress  which first brought him prominence. … Continue reading →

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Literary Road Trip

Posted on April 28, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

You might not agree with all of the choices that Mike Nudelman made for this literary map of the U.S. —I certainly didn’t—but it’s a good effort.

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December is the toughest month

Posted on December 2, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

“December is the toughest month of the year. Others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, October, August, and February.” Mark Twain

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Travel Light

Posted on May 27, 2017 by Brian D. Butler
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American Writers Museum Opens

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

On May 16th, the long-awaited American Writers Museum will open in the heart of Chicago’s tourist district. Located at 108 North Michigan Avenue, not far from the world famous Art Institute and Millennium Park, the museum features multimedia installations, permanent … Continue reading →

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Back to basics

Posted on March 24, 2015 by Brian D. Butler

Visitors to the U.S. are often shocked to discover that we have only one truly nationwide bookstore chain remaining. That company, Barnes & Noble, has just 700 stores unevenly spread around the country. The past few years, B&N has strayed … Continue reading →

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Don’t Quote Me

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

 

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A letter from Santa Claus

Posted on December 25, 2012 by Brian D. Butler

Illustration by Dave Thomson A Letter From Santa Claus My Dear Susy Clemens, I have received and read all the letters which you and your little sister have written me … I can read your and your baby sister’s jagged … Continue reading →

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