Gravity

“Barbara Snedecor's Gravity lays a firm cornerstone for all future studies of a remarkable woman. Olivia Langdon Clemens’ reputation has suffered the frequent fate of famous writers' spouses. She has for too long been viewed as an intellectual lightweight and chronic invalid who somehow, for mysterious reasons, managed to wed one of the most celebrated authors of American literature. Kudos to Dr. Snedecor, for rescuing a gifted and adaptable personality from the unfavorable imputations of various Mark Twain biographers.”—Alan Gribben, author, Mark Twain's Literary Resources

“Barbara Snedecor’s exemplary edition of Olivia Clemens’ letters is not only a significant contribution to Mark Twain scholarship but the invaluable personal history of an intellectual distinguished in her own right. In these letters Livy speaks eloquently about women’s rights, her travels across the U.S. and Europe and around the world, her anti-imperialism, and her roles as spouse, mother, companion, and literary adviser.”—Gary Scharnhorst, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of English, University of New Mexico, author of The Life of Mark Twain Vols. 1-3

"To refresh our understanding of Mark Twain as an American icon, we need to know the temperament and interests of the woman with whom he kept company for nearly forty years. It was a surprising marriage: this ‘Wild Humorist’ from everywhere and nowhere, and Olivia Langdon, a cultured young woman with frail health from an Upstate New York aristocracy. For exciting clues about what drew them together and how it all worked, Barbara Snedecor’s carefully-edited collection provides new insights into Olivia’s passions and personality.”—Bruce F. Michelson, University of Illinois, author of Printer’s Devil: Mark Twain and the American Publishing Revolution