Mark Twain’s Autobiography Flying Off the Shelves

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

Source: N.Y. Times

When editors at the University of California Press pondered the possible demand for “Autobiography of Mark Twain,” a $35, four-pound, 500,000-word doorstopper of a memoir, they kept their expectations modest with a planned print run of 7,500 copies.

“Autobiography of Mark Twain” is a smash hit across the country.
Now it is a smash hit across the country, landing on best-seller lists and going back to press six times, for a total print run — so far — of 275,000. The publisher cannot print copies quickly enough, leaving some bookstores and online retailers stranded without copies just as the holiday shopping season begins.

“It sold right out,” said Kris Kleindienst, an owner of Left Bank Books in St. Louis, which first ordered 50 copies and has a dozen people on a waiting list. “You would think only completists and scholars would want a book like this. But there’s an enduring love affair with Mark Twain, especially around here. Anybody within a stone’s throw of the Mississippi River has a Twain attachment.”

Farther upriver, at the Prairie Lights bookstore in Iowa City, Paul Ingram, the book buyer, said he initially ordered 10 copies, but they disappeared almost immediately.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/20/books/20twain.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

---

Well done, Mr. Clemens

[DeadEyeDyck]

1. He is still dead?

[jimlup]

2. No he's alive and well!

You're looking at him!

[wakemewhenitsover]

61. Reports of his death are greatly exaggerated

[pnorman]

3. Thanks for the alert!

I've been watching for it for the past few months after it first hit the news, but I must have nodded off. I see that it's also available for Kindle at $10, so I'll probably go for that. That's just Volume 1, so it may be a while before the entire set will be available.

I have at my bedside; "MARK TWAIN'S Weapon's of Satire (ANTI-IMPERIALIST WRITINGS ON THE PHILLIPINE-AMERICAN WAR)". For a long time, much of the material was also on the author's website, but he was forced to remove it. It's long out of print, and the author had recently deceased, so that'll be the end of it. But if you can find/order it at your local library, it'll be well worth the effort.

[Cartoonist]

4. Waiting List

Since I can't afford to buy anything other than food, I went to the library to check out a copy. There's a waiting list of 17 people wanting to read it. Since you can renew it for a total of six weeks, I don't see myself reading it for another year.

[elocs]

6. I'm in the same boat--no buying books, that's what libraries are for.

Besides, I don't have the room at home for books that are read once or twice and then just sit on the bookshelf for years.

[Love Bug]

27. My library won't allow renewals if there's a waiting list n/t

Crikey, there are 255 requests before mine! They have 15 copies, but damn!

[jonthebru]

40. 15 copies of a book like this!

You have a fine library there!

[Love Bug]

50. It's not just one library, but all those in the county.

The website allows a patron to search the entire catalogue database that includes all of the libraries in the county. The patron can then request a book be sent to their local branch library for pick up. It's a great system and saves tons of time. For this particular book, there are 15 copies available in the database.

[femrap]

62. Since I live in

OH....name change after Election to Dumfukistan, I am the second on the list. I guess there are benefits to living with the Willfully Ignorant.

[trud]

55. to Waiting List

In my state, you can request a copy of a book regardless of which library in the state has it. That tends to reduce the waiting time a lot. See if the catalog is online and it should tell you, if it's like the one I use, how many copies are available state-wide and how many people are queued up.

The only thing I know about queueing(sp?) theory is that one line many sources is better than a line for each source :-) That's why sensible banks have one queue for all the tellers.

[ProudDad]

72. Ask them to order more copies.. (n/t)

[trusty elf]

5. My wife recently gave me a copy as a present

and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I recommend it highly!

"they kept their expectations modest with a planned print run of 7,500 copies." :rofl:

[peacefreak]

36. 7500 copies is significant for a small press.

I'm surprised the big boys didn't get their hands on it.

[NobleCynic]

78. No kidding. It seems like a logical hit

Whatever editor passed on it may be looking for a new job.

[awoke_in_2003]

45. that made me say "WTF"...

this is Twain we are talking about. I cannot wait to get mine.

[gristy]

7. That defies belief

The autobiography of the greatest american writer of all time and they initially planned to print just 7500 copies?

:freak:

[ejpoeta]

10. when you see books like lying points flying off the shelves and others like it,

it would stand to reason why they kept their hopes modest. i am so glad that their fears about people wanting it were so unfounded.

[SomeGuyInEagan]

59. For books like that (Bush, Hannity, Limbaugh, Beck), books are often bought in bulk to generate buzz

by the author, agent, publisher, etc. This gets folks in the media to notice and some in the public to say, "Hey, it's a bestseller ... must be worthwhile."

Old trick in the industry.

[Demeter]

20. They Weren't Expecting That

the 80% of America that DOESN'T support the Tea Party to care....and they knew that Tea Party would have no interest.

[Harry Monroe]

22. Just think what Mark Twain would have to say about the Tea Party!

Man oh man, I'd love for him to speak from beyond the grave!!

[hatrack]

31. In the age of "The Secret"? Not surprising . . . .

Encouraging, though - 100 years after his death, Twain's ability to call "Bullshit!" is needed now more than ever, and people sense that.

[cornermouse]

8. If he could see this I bet he would love it.

k & r.

[molly77]

18. Some of us think Mark Twain is seeing it.

[femrap]

25. I believe he knows all

about this as well. I can't wait to read it. Better call the library and get on the list.

[Hissyspit]

9. This is nice to hear.

There's an interesting promotional video on YouTube about it. I think this is it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpWLBYDn87w&sns=em

[EFerrari]

11. This is a fifteen minutes interview with one of the editors:

http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/TwainV

It's audio and there's a transcript.

[awoke_in_2003]

46. there is stuff...

he didn't want published for 500 years?!?!?!? I REALLY want to see that stuff :)

[hadrons]

12. This is a good story ....

Good to know that people find what Twain has to say worth-reading 100 years later

[mrs_p]

13. i would like to get a copy for my hubby's

christmas present -- just need to do some saving up.

[lostnfound]

14. Anti-imperialist progressive writer popular among those who can still read who live in the empire

Who would have thought it..

[InvisibleTouch]

15. Excellent!

Granted, I have such a stack of books to read already that I don't mind waiting a while until it comes around to the library, but I'm glad to hear it's hugely popular. I look forward to reading it in the future!

[madrchsod]

16. what? the printing press is`t dead?

i thought the electronic books were killing off ink and paper. if treated properly that book will last at least 100yrs...will an electric book last that long?

i`ll have to put this on the waiting list at the local library.

[awoke_in_2003]

48. the printing press will never die....

electronic gadgets can not replace the total experience of reading a book.

[trud]

57. re: the printing press will never die....

You got that right!

[awoke_in_2003]

58. welcome to DU...

:hi:

[pengillian101]

70. Welcome to DU!

:hi:

[dmr]

77. Agree. There is nothing that can take the place of a good book in your hands

something to thumb through, something to scan over, something to write your thoughts in the side margins.

Something real, tangible & distinct.

:hi:

[awoke_in_2003]

83. "Something real, tangible & distinct"...

we have become a shallow culture, and words like that do not ring to most of us :hi:

[Scout]

17. Thomson-Shore in Dexter, Michigan is the printer for this book!

my husband works there now, and i used to work there.

they are working their asses off on reprints!

[molly77]

19. I am happy that a book of this nature is selling !

[ananda]

21. Actually it's Volume 1.

You can get it for $20 or less if you shop carefully.

I just put it on my Kindle for $9.99.

[TreasonousBastard]

23. It is sitting in my Nook and I started reading it a few days ago, but...

the first 78 (of 965) pages are editors' notes and prefaces. And that's just Volume One.

Like a lot of popular books, I wonder how many copies will actually be read.

[Demeter]

24. There are evidently 2 volumes in paperback at $34 each

I just ordered both at Borders with various discounts for $45. I wouldn't want a hard cover, anyway...

[BrklynLiberal]

26. a book!? A real BOOK! is selling out! that is some of the best news I have heard

in a while. there still are some of us left who love the feel and smell of a real book..the sensation of turning the page..and holding the book in our hands...the weight and texture....ahhhhhhhhhhhh

[trusty elf]

30. Reports of the book's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

:D

Isn't it great! :woohoo:

I love Twain. When I first read that his autobiography was being published I got really excited. It's a wonderful and fascinating book.


Do you ever use Abebooks? I buy nice second hand editions through them quite often. I just ordered the 1944 first edition of Robert Graves' "The Golden Fleece" for less than the price of a paperback.

:hi:

[BrklynLiberal]

43. Thanks for the reference. I will check it out.

[Beacool]

32. Hear, hear!!!

The same goes for newspapers. There's nothing like holding a newspaper and reading it on the way to work (for us in metropolitan areas who take public transportation).

I didn't know they had just published a new biography of Mark Twain. I loved his books, I grew up reading them and reread them as an adult.

I always loved reading, I don't get why so many kids hate it.

:woohoo:

[Codeine]

47. People still love books.

Even in here in the armpit of inland Southern California our bookstores (all big boxes now, but that's everywhere) are always full of buyers.

[awoke_in_2003]

49. you don't curl up with technology...

technology comes, and goes quickly obsolete- books are going nowhere.

[pengillian101]

71. Yes, Indeedy!

:fistbump:

I have 5 unread in my headboard at the moment. :-)

[JitterbugPerfume]

28. it is fascinating reading!

[ChairmanAgnostic]

29. I agree.

His method of relating anecdotes is amazing. I just finished it. (I preordered mine and received the first edition)

I loved it.

[WolverineDG]

33. Pardon me, I have to go now

the book is checked *IN* at my local library. :)

dg

[progressoid]

35. Lucky you!

I have to wait until January.

[WolverineDG]

42. very lucky!

they only had 1 copy & the way it was shelved (lowest shelf) meant that unless you were looking for it, it wouldn't catch your eye.

btw, this is "volume 1" so there is more to come :)

dg

[FreeStateDemocrat]

34. Sold out from Amazon, but 1st edition on Amazon seller is available for $214.95. My library has 1959

editon but doesn't have new edtion:

The autobiography of Mark Twain including chapters now published for the first time /
by Twain, Mark, 1835-1910 Harper, 1959.

[BumRushDaShow]

54. I was just on Amazon buying some books when I happened to see your post

and saw that they would have it available Monday (11/22/10). You made me pull the trigger and add it to my order!

This is your fault!!!! :spank: :rofl: :hi:

It was $19.22 for the new hardcover.

[RainDog]

79. that's not the same book

Twain had his estate hold up publication of this book, with many of his opinions, until long after his death.

The book you are referring to is not the same book.

[PADemD]

37. Pre-ordered my copy from Amazon last summer.

Received it late October. It's going to take a while to get through 700 pages.

[4lbs]

38. Book? That's that thingie with a bunch of sheets of paper in it, with words and all, right?

Don't touch them. They might make you smart.

;)

[awoke_in_2003]

51. "Might" is the operative word...

don't forget, Bush has a book out now :)

[Shining Jack]

39. Want!

Mark Twain was a fascinating man and most of his comments and quotes are still relevant today. I'll definitely buy this book.

[alcina]

41. While waiting for a copy ....

You can entertain yourself with a vast collection of his writings at Project Gutenberg:

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search.html/?default_prefix=author_id&sort_order=downloads&query=53

[Arugula Latte]

44. Just for fun ... Alec Baldwin as Mark Twain

Honoring Tina Fey at the ceremony for the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/1de66f783d/alec-baldwin-as-mark-twain

[Adsos Letter]

52. Got it through Amazon a few weeks ago

They were selling copies before the official release date (not sure how that worked). Been working my way through it when time allows. GREAT READ; however, the print is quite small for these old eyes.

[Exilednight]

53. I notice that the title is "Autobiography of Mark Twain, Vol. 1" is there, or will there be .......

a Vol 2?

[trusty elf]

63. Yep,

and a volume 3!

[Exilednight]

80. Thank you for the info. I just ordered vol 1. I'm looking forward to reading it. n/t

[usrname]

65. And a Volume 3

[SomeGuyInEagan]

56. Prairie Lights Book Store in Iowa City! A GREAT book store.

Just had to add that. I miss PL.

[IDemo]

60. "We are always preaching the virtues of independence and tolerance"

"but we tend to take our opinions from others and herd ourselves into self-protective groups. We are discreet sheep...we wait to see how the drove is going and then go with the drove".

Most of what he wrote applies completely to the present day.

[usrname]

64. Haven't even gotten to the autobiography yet

Just reading about General Grant's travails. Mark doesn't pull too many punches. Accuses partner Ferdinand Ward of being, basically, a Bernie Madoff. Also nails the AP as a Fox News organization.
Join the facebook discussion group: Mark Twain Autobiography Discussion Group for ongoing discussion of
the contents. Should be interesting over time.

[EFerrari]

74. Welcome to CU, usrname.

I can't wait to read this new material. He wanted it held for a hundred years. Now, that's marketing! :)

[Xicano]

66. +1000 Love Mark Twain

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__I20zT2EaHs/TExd2YMprTI/AAAAAAAAEB8/3-Edzhd0qBw/s1600/8710+caturday.jpg

[BlueIris]

67. Nice to read. nt

[Haole Girl]

68. I want to read it

One of my favorite quotes, from him...


"Why use a quarter word when you can use a nickel one instead?"


:-)

[Celtic Merlin]

69. I most certainly WILL buy myself a copy.

I already own his complete works, so this will be a necessary addition to my Twain library. He was an author of some of the best stories ever published in the United States. Those of you unfamiliar with his sometimes-subtle and sometimes-crushing humor would be rewarding yourselves richly if you decided to read a few of his short stories.

Who in this country with any appreciation at all for Twain would not want to read his autobiography? Yes, I'm an enormous fan of the man's work, but this book has such historical significance and will likely give the reader new insight into his other writings that it has to be a "must read" for so very many people. What dolt decided that 7,500 copies would be enough? I'd bet that the people of the state of Missouri ALONE will consume more than twice that number of this book!

I hope that it reaches 1 million copies in print. I also hope that his estate benefits from this. It would be a shame if his descendants saw nothing from it.

Here's to ya Sam! Thanks for all the hours of enjoyment I've gotten from you, and the hours I plan to get from your autobiography.

Celtic Merlin
Carlinist

[Cartoonist]

75. He had one granddaughter

who died young. No descendants.

[nevergiveup]

73. I was born and came of age in Hannibal Missouri during the 40's and 50's.

It was a beautiful and wonderful place and may the spirits of Tom, Huck, Jim and their creator, Mr. Samuel Clemens, live forever.

[Johnny Harpo]

76. This Is Probably A Good Read...

if the length doesn't kill you first...lol

[alcibiades_mystery]

81. Good...this will finance dozens of academic monographs

I always cheer when University presses hit bestsellers, since they use that to publish academic research that would otherwise have to be rejected for financial (rather than scholarly) reasons.

More one-off bestsellers, please!

[RainDog]

84. agreed

I'm always happy when any small presses have a big seller because it keeps some of them alive.

[Jennicut]

82. Makes me want to go visit Mark Twain's house in CT.

It is right next to Harriet Beecher Stowe's house, believe it or not. He wrote most of his major works in that house. I went once as a kid but haven't been back since. Shame, I only live about 30 minutes from it.