21st Century Best-Selling Authors Unite to Save 19th Century Treasure

It's the house where Huck, Tom, Jim and dozens of the most beloved characters in American literature were born. And it's in trouble.

To save the historic house where Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) wrote Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Jon Clinch, author of Finn, the "prequel" to Huckleberry Finn, Tom Perrotta, Tasha Alexander and eight other nationally-bestselling authors will host a benefit event on Tuesday, September 23, to prevent the Mark Twain House & Museum from imminent demise.

The House & Museum has recently fallen upon critical financial difficulties, causing the management to announce the potential closure. After reading about its fundraising issues, Clinch set in motion an effort to save this important marker in Twain's literary journey.

"It turns out you don't really have to press very hard to get authors to volunteer on Twain's behalf," said Clinch. "In the course of only a few weeks, an incredible network of writers has banded together in a grassroots effort to save this historic treasure. This event will be nothing short of spectacular."

The benefit, to take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23 at the Mark Twain House and Museum, Hartford, Connecticut, will include a reception, Twain readings and a unique group book signing. Participating authors include: Tasha Alexander, Elizabeth: The Golden Age; Philip Beard, Dear Zoe; Andrew Carroll, Operation Homecoming; Jon Clinch, Finn; David Gates, Jernigan; Robert Hicks, The Widow of the South; Phillip Lopate, Against Joie De Vivre; Amy MacKinnon, Tethered; Stewart O'Nan, Last Night at the Lobster; Tom Perrotta, The Abstinence Teacher; and Arthur Phillips, Angelica.

Admission to the reading and book signing is $40. Admission to the reception, reading and book signing is $100. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 860-280-3152, 860-247-0998 ext. 241 or info@marktwainhouse.org.

A national historical landmark, The Mark Twain House & Museum is open year-round and attracts more than 60,000 visitors a year. Called "a marvel of whimsy and craftsmanship" by The Boston Globe, The Mark Twain House Museum seeks to foster an appreciation for Twain as one of America's defining cultural figures. For more information, visit www.marktwainhouse.org.