Catching Twainitis Syndrome

A humorous and informative personal account by author Rob Alvey after he was exposed to writings by Mark Twain and posed for a college photo assignment for his daughter in 2008. As a result, he was infected with Twainitis Syndrome and physically assumed the appearance and character of the author and humorist Mark Twain. Alvey did not consider this medical affliction a bad thing, but used his wild creativity and imagination to take on the task of helping local non-profits raise funds by conducting Mark Twain impersonations. Catching Twainitis Syndrome is a collection of short stories and articles about Alvey's experiences as Mark Twain and some of the public appearances and presentations he has given over the last 10 years. The book also includes stories on his meetings with other Mark Twain impersonators such as Hal Holbrook and McAvoy Layne and agrees they all have Twainitis Syndrome and are better off for it. The book helps keep the legacy of Mark Twain alive but also updates Twain with a bit of twisted thinking the style of George Carlin and British author Terry Pratchett.

Rob Alvey bears an uncanny resemblance to Mark Twain and has adjusted to having what he refers to as Twainitis Syndrome comfortably. Alvey has a unique sense of humor and creativity which belies his respected career as a scientist where he was a geologist with the US Environmental Protection Agency Superfund Division and part time Geology Professor at York (CUNY) College. Alvey is from Garden City, NY where he and his wife, Suzie, raised their 3 daughters.