Chapters 49-50 Summary

This chapter details the contrast between the nephew Webster and General Grant.

When it became public that "Webster and Company" would publish General Grant's autobiography, Twain's nephew got a good bit of attention and notoriety. Twain says it went to the young man's head. Webster asked for a new contract, even more favorable to him than the last, and Twain agreed, he says, without really reading it. The result was that Twain owned 9/10ths of the company, but did not have any say in what the company did. Webster rented a bigger office and sported new suits.

On the other hand, in Chapter 50, Twain marvels at how modest Grant was. He remained completely unmoved anytime generous praises were heaped upon him, and he had no idea how sought-after his book would be.

Twain found out Grant was human, though, when he...