Scribblin' For a Livin': Mark Twain's Pivotal Period in Buffalo

The mythic king of American satire is given a new examination in this close study of the 18 months (1869-1871) Mark Twain lived in Buffalo, New York. Although widely acknowledged as a critical period in his personal life%E2%80%94with his marriage to Olivia Langdon and the birth of their first child%E2%80%94Twain's time as editor of The Buffalo Express saw his creativity flounder. It is Twain scholar Reigstad's central thesis that Twain decided to turn away from newspaper "scribblin'" and instead devote his life to more literary aspirations while working for the paper. Unfortunately, any writing juxtaposed with Twain's colorful, lively voice will sound dry; as a result Reigstad's academic tone too often feels stodgy in comparison. One can sometimes feel Reigstad straining to pad out thin material into book length; detailed passages describe the decor of Twain's lavishly appointed home, each guest who visited the newlyweds, and everything they bought in their first week of marriage. However, generous appendices add much needed flavor, containing many rare and humorous pieces Twain wrote for the Express. The result is a thoroughly researched love letter to a great American city and author, primarily of interest to those die-hard Twain fans. (Mar.)