English prof honored for new look at Mark Twain’s thinking

Work that began three years ago as a potential journal article by English professor Dr. Joe Fulton has evolved into not just a complete book, but one worthy of the prestigious Landry Award, given annually to the best book on Southern studies published by LSU Press.

Fulton’s book, The Reconstruction of Mark Twain, takes an in-depth look at the famed writer’s evolving political allegiances, actions and writings during and after the Civil War. Unlike previous Twain scholars, Fulton found that Twain remained a Southern who opposed Lincoln and and the North for years after the Civil War ended, until he very gradually recognized the tragedy of racism and slavery.

Previous Landry Award winners include Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Robert Penn Warren, current Harvard University President Drew Gilpin Faust, and Presidential Medal of Freedom winner John Hope Franklin. The Reconstruction of Mark Twain will be released next fall, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Twain’s death.

Sic ’em, Dr. Fulton!