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Despite its intricacies, I Been There Before is not limited to a hothouse audience of academics. It demands only a nodding, layman's acquaintance with Twain's work, although buffs will note that the tone of this old, tired Twain is the authentic voice of books from late in his life, particularly The Mysterious Stranger. Here, Twain is a touching figure, confident of his literary skill yet desperately lonely upon returning to earth decades after the demise of everyone he knew. The writings attributed to him ring true. So do his poignant yearnings, not for literary immortality but for the sweet sleep of mortal oblivion. When Twain, again astride a comet's tail, rockets off, the reader may mourn his lively voice but cannot help wishing the world-weary writer godspeed. --By William A. Henry III