MARK TWAIN'S SAN FRANCISCO

Here, collected and annotated by Bernard Taper, are some 100,000 words from the spate of columns that poured from Mark Twain's pen while in residence in San Franisco from 1863 to 1868. Out of the Golden Era, the Territorial Enterprise, the Californian and other papers leap these often giddy, at times sharp spoofs--as much directed at trivia as at the talk of the town. Various enterprises and events jibed at include the Pioneer's Ball (""Mrs. W. M. was attired in an elegant pate de foie gras""), the search to fill the pulpit of Grace Cathedral, the fashions and Chief Burke's Star hamber Board of Police Commissioners. There are encounters as well with spirits Mrs. Foye; breakfast at Cliff House; an earthquake almanac prepared in advance of the event. ""The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras Country"", written in this period, also makes an appearance. Less regional flavor than one might expect, less body too. There is some vintage Twain, some that does not travel down the years. In the main, delightfully airy stuff. Mr. Taper's contribution and the Edward Jump artoons not seen here.