Mark Twain's Mark Twain's Letters ? Volume 3 (1876-1885) is a collection of correspondence that offers valuable insights into Twain's life, thoughts, and literary friendships during the late 19th century. These letters primarily focus on his relationship with fellow writer W. D. Howells, exploring topics such as literature, politics, personal struggles, and creative pursuits.
In the early part of this volume, Twain writes to Howells about his activities with the Monday Evening Club in Hartford and provides updates on his writing projects, particularly the highly acclaimed The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. He also discusses his health, hints at collaborations with Bret Harte, and expresses his deep gratitude for Howells's critical feedback. Twain's letters blend his characteristic humor with introspection, offering a candid glimpse into both the everyday and profound aspects of his life and career.
These early letters set the stage for a deeper exploration of the literary landscape of the time, reflecting Twain's evolving thoughts on his own works and those of his contemporaries. They provide readers with a compelling and authentic perspective on the dynamic period in which Twain lived and worked.

XVI. LETTERS, 1876, CHIEFLY TO W. D. HOWELLS. LITERATURE AND POLITICS. PLANNING A PLAY WITH BRET HARTE.
XVII. LETTERS, 1877. TO BERMUDA WITH TWICHELL. PROPOSITION TO TH. NAST. THE WHITTIER DINNER.
XVIII. LETTERS FROM EUROPE, 1878-79. TRAMPING WITH TWICHELL. WRITING A NEW TRAVEL BOOK. LIFE IN MUNICH.
XIX. LETTERS 1879. RETURN TO AMERICA. THE GREAT GRANT REUNION
XX. LETTERS OF 1880, CHIEFLY TO HOWELLS. “THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER.” MARK TWAIN MUGWUMP SOCIETY.
XXI. LETTERS 1881, TO HOWELLS AND OTHERS. ASSISTING A YOUNG SCULPTOR. LITERARY PLANS.
XXII. LETTERS, 1882, MAINLY TO HOWELLS. WASTED FURY. OLD SCENES REVISITED. THE MISSISSIPPI BOOK.
XXIII. LETTERS, 1883, TO HOWELLS AND OTHERS. A GUEST OF THE MARQUIS OF LORNE. THE HISTORY GAME. A PLAY BY HOWELLS AND MARK TWAIN.
XXIV. LETTERS, 1884, TO HOWELLS AND OTHERS. CABLE'S GREAT APRIL FOOL. “HUCK FINN” IN PRESS. MARK TWAIN FOR CLEVELAND. CLEMENS AND CABLE.
XXV. THE GREAT YEAR OF 1885. CLEMENS AND CABLE. PUBLICATION OF “HUCK