The Origin of Negative Advertising

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In 1866, Mark Twain promoted his very first lecture, whose success is impossible to measure, 
with his own words on a handbill circulated throughout San Francisco. 
No words of mine can provide details better than this hyperlink.  

A SPLENDID ORCHESTRA
Is in town, but has not been engaged.  

Also,
    
A DEN OF FEROCIOUS WILD BEASTS
Will be on exhibition in the next Block.  

MAGNIFICENT FIREWORKS
Were in contemplation for this occasion,
but the idea has been abandoned.  

A GRAND TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION
May be expected; in fact, the public 
are privileged to expect whatever they please.

➨ The doors open at 7 o'clock.
The trouble begins at 8 o'clock.

The next Mark Twain page is here.  

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