CLEMENS, SAMUEL L., SKETCHES BY MARK TWAIN.... [TORONTO]: 1880 [BUT 1881], INSCRIBED BY TWAIN

8vo (7 x 4 3/4 in.; 17.6 x 12.2 cm). Woodcut tailpieces; some toning. Original russet cloth-covered boards, upper cover gilt lettered, rounded spine gilt lettered, inscribed by the author in black ink on the front free endpaper; overall rubbed, some fraying to edges, joints weak, bookplates to front and rear pastedowns as well as verso of front free endpaper, rubber library stamp to front pastedown and copyright page, one or two pencil annotations. In half red morocco clamshell case, spine gilt lettered, with repeat decoration in gilt.    

Mary C. Young (bookplate to front pastedown) William F. Gable (bookplates to verso of front free endpaper and rear pastedown)

BAL 3364

8vo (7 x 4 3/4 in.; 17.6 x 12.2 cm). Woodcut tailpieces; some toning. Original russet cloth-covered boards, upper cover gilt lettered, rounded spine gilt lettered, inscribed by the author in black ink on the front free endpaper; overall rubbed, some fraying to edges, joints weak, bookplates to front and rear pastedowns as well as verso of front free endpaper, rubber library stamp to front pastedown and copyright page, one or two pencil annotations. In half red morocco clamshell case, spine gilt lettered, with repeat decoration in gilt.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The pirate edition of this collection of humorous sketches, inscribed: "This book was published in 1880—one year before entered so it says—see title page—It means that the thieves never entered it at all does it not?"  Beneath this, in Twain's hand it is written: "Pirate edition, I suppose. Mark Twain."