Email, how quaint.

Dylan:

I am not much of a self-promoter but I am writing back to anyone who was reckless enough to write to me over the years. I have a new book coming out: CHASING THE LAST LAUGH: Mark Twain's Raucous and Redemptive Round-the World Comedy Tour (Doubleday)

Twain went broke, and almost ruined his life but he saved himself and his reputation by performing for a year in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa. Here is a seriously funny man caught in a bind through his own reckless investing. I had access to unpublished letters and notebooks. All his maxims start making more sense: "Man will do many things to get himself loved; he will do all things to get himself envied." "Few of us can stand prosperity; another man's I mean." The book is only a little bit business and a lot of Twain's travels and private life.

I am in an awkward spot here, wanting to brag about my book but trying to stop myself. Carl Hiaasen read it and loved it; so did Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Greenblatt. Reviews are ridiculously positive so far. Who am I argue? as Twain would say.

Take a look at chasingthelastlaugh.com or go to the "Chasing the Last Laugh" page on Facebook or Amazon.

All best,

Richard Zacks

P.S. Don't hesitate to review it somewhere or blog it or tweet or tag it or do that old fashion thing of telling a friend or relative. Check out the tour dates. I'd love to see you and I hate empty seats. More RZ books.