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''A Horse's Tale'' is a 1906 novel written by American author Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), written partially in the voice of Soldier Boy, who is Buffalo Bill's favorite horse, at a fictional frontier outpost with the U.S. 7th Cavalry.


Background

'' Harper's Magazine'' originally published the story in two installments in August and September 1906. Clemens wrote the story after receiving a request from actress
Minnie Maddern Fiske Minnie Maddern Fiske (born Marie Augusta Davey; December 19, 1865 – February 15, 1932), but often billed simply as Mrs. Fiske, was one of the leading American actresses of the late 19th and early 20th century. She also spearheaded the fig ...
to assist in her drive against bullfighting. ''Harper's'' published the story as a 153-page book in October 1907. Clemens's daughter
Susy Clemens Olivia Susan Clemens (March 19, 1872 – August 18, 1896) was the second child and eldest daughter of Samuel Clemens, who wrote under the pen name Mark Twain, and his wife Olivia Langdon Clemens. She inspired some of her father's works, at ...
, who died in 1896 at age 24 of spinal meningitis, is understood to be the inspiration for lead character Cathy Alison.Rasmussen, R. Kent. ''Critical Companion to Mark Twain: A Literary Reference to His Life and Work'', p. 169-74 (
Facts on File Infobase Publishing is an American publisher of reference book titles and textbooks geared towards the North American library, secondary school, and university-level curriculum markets. Infobase operates a number of prominent imprints, including ...
, 2d ed. 2007) ()
(April 21, 2010)
Mark Twain manuscript reveals author's pain at losing his daughter
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The Guardian ''The Guardian'' is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in 1821 as ''The Manchester Guardian'', and changed its name in 1959. Along with its sister papers ''The Observer'' and ''The Guardian Weekly'', ''The Guardian'' is part of the Gu ...
''
When Clemens provided the story to ''Harper's'', he included a photograph of Susy for the illustrator to use for Cathy.


See also

* Mark Twain bibliography


References


External links

* Novels by Mark Twain 1907 American novels Harper & Brothers books Cultural depictions of Buffalo Bill Novels about horses {{1900s-hist-novel-stub