Clemens, Samuel Langhorne | The Autograph Edition of Mark Twain's Writings, double-signed as Clemens and Twain.

The Passion of American Collectors: Property of Barbara and Ira Lipman

Clemens, Samuel Langhorne

The Writings of Mark Twain. Hartford: The American Publishing Company, 1899–1907

25 volumes, 8vo (210 x 146 mm). General engraved title-pages printed on chine appliqué, numerous plates, including 18 plates (vols. 2–9, 10–23) signed by such notable artists as Peter Newell, Karl Gerhardt, Charles Noel Flagg, E. W. Kemble, and A. B. Frost, lettered tissue-guards; very minor foxing or spotting in a few volumes. Red morocco, covers gilt with elaborate filleted frames, spines gilt in six compartments, blue morocco doublures with filleted fan cornerpieces, blue moiré linings, top edges gilt, others uncut; front cover of vol. 6 with a deep scratch, a few board edges and joints very lightly rubbed or soiled.

The Autograph Edition, copy 303 of 525 sets, with the double signature of the author on the limitation leaf: "S. L. Clemens | (Mark Twain)." A handsome set.

PROVENANCE

Nick Karanovich (Sotheby’s New York, 19 June 2003, lot 98)

REFERENCE

BAL 3456