''A Horse's Tale'' is a 1906 novel written by American author

Mark Twain Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910), known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist, and essayist. He was praised as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced," with William Fau ...

(Samuel Clemens), written partially in the voice of Soldier Boy, who is

Buffalo Bill William Frederick Cody (February 26, 1846January 10, 1917), better known as Buffalo Bill, was an American soldier, bison hunter, and showman. One of the most famous figures of the American Old West, Cody started his legend at the young age ...

's favorite horse, at a fictional frontier outpost with the U.S. 7th Cavalry.

Background

Harper's Magazine ''Harper's Magazine'' is a monthly magazine of literature, politics, culture, finance, and the arts. Launched in New York City in June 1850, it is the oldest continuously published monthly magazine in the United States. ''Harper's Magazine'' has ...

'' 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 Bullfighting is a physical contest that involves a bullfighter attempting to subdue, immobilize, or kill a bull, usually according to a set of rules, guidelines, or cultural expectations. There are several variations, including some forms wh ...

. ''Harper's'' published the story as a 153-page book in October 1907. Clemens's daughter Susy Clemens, 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 is an American publishing company, publisher of databases, reference book titles and textbooks geared towards the North American library, secondary school, and university-level curriculum markets. Infobase operates a number of prominent ...

, 2d ed. 2007) ()(April 21, 2010)
Mark Twain manuscript reveals author's pain at losing his daughter
''

The Guardian ''The Guardian'' is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in Manchester in 1821 as ''The Manchester Guardian'' and changed its name in 1959, followed by a move to London. Along with its sister paper, ''The Guardian Weekly'', ''The Guardi ...

'' When Clemens provided the story to ''Harper's'', he included a photograph of Susy for the illustrator to use for Cathy.

References

External links

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

Background

See also

References

External links