Scandal hits Charlton, Mass

People never cease being bothered by Samuel Clemens, aka, Mark Twain. This time it’s the ridiculous notion to print a version of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn minus what has now come to be called the “n” word. Now the ignorant appellation “nigger” is one I believe is best reserved for the dustbin of history; we don’t need it, and we never did. But it certainly was part of the history and culture of America and trying to erase it from memory will not change that. We ought to be grown up enough to understand historical context, and we should be capable enough to teach that concept to our children. But I digress. The Mark Twain /Charlton Public Library scandal was very real.

Apparently a batch of books arrived at the Charlton Public Library and among them was an illustrated copy of Mark Twain’s Eve’s Diary. The artist’s depiction of Adam and Eve had them fitly attired for the Garden of Eden- naked as jaybirds. Now it’s not as if the illustrator did not give a fig; he surely did. The dispute was over whether or not the artist gave enough of a fig. And some of the gentlemen in the town of Charlton needed to study on that.

No less prestigious a newspaper than The New York Times covered the story or the uncovered. Here is an excerpt:

Who would think it would happen in Charlton? A library Trustee has “uncovered” a book containing pictures that have no business being on the shelves. It has the provocative name of Eve’s Diary.

The book came in an order of 100 titles purchased by the library. When she looked at it, librarian Mrs. H. L. Carpenter “had her doubts” and showed it to Frank G. Wakefield, one of the library’s Trustees. He barred it from being placed on the shelves and into circulation. The other two Trustees, the Reverend G. O. Jenness and Lewis A. McIntyre, agreed. The other ninety-nine books were also perused. They were found acceptable.

In the objectionable book, there are pictures on every left hand page, 50 in all, depicting Eve in summer costume cut “Garden of Eden style.” One of the pictures shows Eve skipping through the bushes “unrestrained and not at all afraid.” The placement of the bushes in the picture is insufficient in covering the view of Eve.

“After looking long and earnestly at one picture depicting Eve pensively reclining on a rock, Mr. Wakefield decided to act.”

A reporter, seeking comment of the author of the book informed him of the actions of the Trustees. The author, Samuel Clemens who writes under the pseudonym Mark Twain, stated that the action of the Charlton library was not of the slightest interest to him.

The New York Times November 24, 1906

So, there you have it. Perhaps you would like to form your own opinion about the suitability of Twain’s book. As luck would have it, we have the book in question (intact and illustrated). Grab your detective’s magnifying glass and make your own investigation. Happy hunting.

Eve’s Diary

©2011

The Massachusetts Observer