A: Because LibraryThing draws from so many different libraries, it can't enforce a single name for a given author. "Also known as"
lets LibraryThing users combine author's names easily,
so collections match up and everything runs smoothly.
Q: Can I combine with an author not suggested above?
Look up! Everything in the "Combine with..." section now has a link to "never combine." Use this feature wisely. "Marc Twain" may be idiotic, but misspelling should still be combined. "Mark Twain" and "Edward Gibbon" should not.
Q: What authors have already been slated to "never combine" with this author?
5