the last word on first love…

Only once did Mark Twain write from a woman’s point of view: in “Eve’s Diary,” which he claimed to have “translated from the original hieroglyphic.” That was in 1905, following the death of his wife. It became the companion piece to “Extracts from Adam’s Diary” from a decade earlier, and taken together—as they must be—they are Twain at his most wise, most eloquent and most personal.

Our expanded edition fulfills Twain’s wish that the two stories be published together. “They score points against each other,” he wrote, “so, if not bound together, some of those points would not be perceived.” Told in alternating voices, it incorporates previously unpublished passages as well as his forgotten final revision of “Adam’s Diary.” Michael Mojher’s illustrations are the perfect complement to Twain’s words.

Publisher’s Note: When we published the Diaries, it was the only edition available. Today you’ll find numerous versions, but ours features about 30% more text than the others.

“Funny? Yes. And you expect that. But this is also a love story written by Samuel Clemens, the wounded human soul behind the sword and shield of Twain’s humor.” —Birmingham Weekly

“There is a sense of equality, feeling and wisdom here that unfolds as a lesson on relationships, and becomes a truly noble treatment of gender and consequence.” —Inside Pages

“The sort of book that makes for deeply satisfying reading.”  —Mark Twain Forum

From a bookstore: If you’re lucky enough to have an independent bookstore nearby, we hope you support them! You’re unlikely, however, to find our books there. Most booksellers order their stock from a single distributor rather than various publishers. At present, we’re among the small presses who’ve lost their affiliation with a national distributor—for no larger reason than being small…

From Fair Oaks Press: Just let us know what you want, and your order will be processed upon receipt and mailed free of charge. We’ll enclose an invoice and trust you to make payment by cash or check at your earliest convenience. (Allow eight days for delivery; arrangements can be made for express mail.)

To Booksellers and Librarians: We heartily apologize for the inconvenience of ordering from us. But in addition to the standard wholesale discount, you’ll receive free shipping and heaps of gratitude!

We enjoy hearing from readers, booksellers and librarians. If you have a question or are in any way displeased with the item or service you received, please let us know.

Email: publisher@fairoakspress.com
Telephone: 415-508-1390  (No text messages.)

Fair Oaks Press
262 Somerset St.
San Francisco, CA  94134