November 20 Tuesday – Sam wrote thanks from 21 Fifth Ave., N.Y.C. to McClure, Phillips & Co., publishers of: The Viper of Milan (1906) by Gabrielle Margaret Vere Long (Campbell; 1888-1952), pseud. “Marjorie Bowen” (see Gribben p. 418).

I thank you for the “Viper of Milan.” But that this extraordinary book was written by a girl of 15—or 16—or 17—or 18—or 19—is clearly unbelievable, & I do not believe it. The person who wrote it is at least 25, & has served a regular & exacting apprenticeship to the pen. The Times Saturday Review’s high estimate of the book tallies with mine [MTP].

Note: the book was popular in England and announced as forthcoming in the Oct. 20 New York Times, “Pages in Waiting,” p. BR693; it was then announced on Nov. 3 as issued “this week” New York Times, p. BR1, “A Novel by a Child.” A full review was first given in the Saturday Times on Nov 17, p. BR 751, “A Precocious Author,” which Sam referred to. See McClure’s reply Nov. 23.

Clemens’ A.D. of this day included: Georgia Cayvan dead—Some details of her career—The pension scheme for raising money far charity— Instance where it worked: Helen Keller—Mr. Ellsworth’s attempt to raise money, by written applications, for Major Pond’s little boy, which did not work [MTP Autodict2].

George W. Caldwell inscribed a copy of his book Oriental Rambles (1906): “To the Genial philosopher ‘Mark Twain’ / with the compliments of the constructor / George W. Caldwell / Nov. 20, 1906” [Gribben 125].

Willibald Gebel wrote to Sam on a picture postcard (of the Breslau Rathaus) from Breslau, Germany. Translation in the file by Robert J. Kleinman: “Dear Sir: As one of your ardent readers who happens to have his birthday on the same day as you, I take the liberty to send you from the far a way Germany, the heartiest wishes for your seventy-first birthday. May you celebrate in the best of health still many many times! This wishes you in deepest admiration”[MTP].