This two volume set is Mark Twain's autobiography with an introduction written by Albert Bigelow Paine and published by P.F. Collier and Son, copyright 1924.
Samuel Clemons (Mark Twain) worked on his autobiography previous to his death in 1910 beginning in the winter of 1906. He didn't want his book published until after his death because he felt that publishing during his lifetime would cause him to alter his true feelings as to not offend anyone. Therefore, a facsimile of a note in Twain's handwriting precedes frontispiece of the first volume opening with the passage "I am writing from my grave..."
Interestingly, Mr. Paine approached Samuel Clemons (Mark Twain) about writing his biography, and in January 1906, Mr. Clemons accepted and installed him as a member of the household. Mr Paine even became his literary executor and closely controlled access to the unpublished papers. Mark Twain: A Biography appeared in 1912, and was followed by editions of the Letters (1917), Autobiography (1924) and Notebook (1935).
We offer the original Autobiography of 1924. Each volume has gilt facsimile of Twain's signature stamped on front board and bound in its original red cloth binding. There is also gilt titling on the spines.
Both volumes are in very good condition with some minor wear as shown in the photos. The corners of the covers are beginning to fray but the spines are solid and the pages are in tact.
A true classic set for antiquarian book collectors or simply book lovers.
Producer: PF Collier and Son
: $27.00
