Clemens, Samuel L.

4to (222 x 168 cm.), first edition, numerous text illustrations (some full-page) by Daniel Carter Beard, 2-page publisher's advertisement at end, with pencil inscription by Merle Johnson on front pastedown and leaf from another copy with revisions by the author window-mounted on front free endpaper (see below), uncut, partly unopened, publishers speckled sheep with red morocco lettering labels, top edge gilt, grey morocco clamshell case, spine lightly sunned, intermittent minor scuffing to edges.

Property of the estate of Marjorie Wiggin Prescott, sale, Christie's New York, 6 February 1981, lot 53; sale, Sotheby's, 7-8 June 1990, lot 278

BAL 3429; Johnson, pp.50-52; Lily/Karanovich 97

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This copy, formerly in the Prescott collection, has a long inscription by Merle Johnson, Twain's bibliographer pencilled on pastedown, stating that this is the only known copy of the first edition with the pages in uncut state. The single leaf from another copy, in Johnson's opinion one of several used by the author for revisions, contains an autograph direction by Clemens with "Go to" crossed out and replaced with "Don't turn". Dan Beard's illustration on the verso is inscribed by him "It was fun to make this".

"The illustrations by Dan Beard, in his own right a writer of reform tales, added greatly to the author's ideas. An unusual feature of the illustrations was the use of then living industrialists and rulers as 'models' for the depicted characters" (Johnson).