Why Mark Twain's Autobiography Is Flying Off the Shelves

His new publisher, the University of California Press, professes itself surprised. But Mark Twain, who was an amused observer of the passing parade when alive, would probably not have been taken aback by the popularity of volume one of his autobiography (actually a collection of his writings), which is selling like the proverbial hotcake. The New York Times suggests some explanations. Let's face it--Mr. Twain has always been not just great fun, but a philosopher as well.