Controversial in death as he was in life, Mark Twain has been seriously accused by some of being a "racist writer," whose writing is offensive to black readers, perpetuates cheap slave-era stereotypes, and deserves no place on today's bookshelves. To those of us who have drunk gratefully of Twain's wisdom and humanity, such accusations are ludicrous. But for some people they clearly touch a raw nerve, and for that reason they deserve a serious answer. …showed first 75 words of 793 total…

…showed last 75 words of 793 total…my theories is that the hearts of men are about alike, all over the world, whatever their skin-complexions may be." "Nearly all black and brown skins are beautiful, but a beautiful white skin is rare." "There are many humorous things in the world; among them is the white man's notion that he is less savage than all the other savages." Mark Twain a "racist"! Isn't it about time we put this ridiculous notion to rest?