Twain, Mark [Clemens, S.L.]

8vo (216 x 168 mm), FIRST AMERICAN EDITION, frontispiece and 173 text illustrations by E. W. Kemble, photogravure plate of a portrait bust by Karl Gerhardt (BAL state 1), title-leaf a cancel with copyright notice dated 1884, original pictorial blue cloth gilt, light peach endpapers, blue cloth case and quarter blue morocco slipcase, minor browning, some slight wear to covers especially at head and base of spine

Doris Louise Benz, leather book label; her sale, Christie's New York, 16 November 1984, lot 62

BAL 3415; Grolier/American 87; Johnson, pp.43-50

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate. In addition to these comments, there some browning internally, but this is a nice tight copy. There is a small closed tear to the plate of the author's bust. There are booklabels on the front fixed endpaper.
"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."

First edition in the rare blue cloth binding. With the following BAL points: page 13, state 1; page 57, state 1; page 155, state 3; page 283, state 4. An unusually bright, fresh copy of the scarce blue binding.