Autobiography and First Romance.
first edition
18713326 · New York
by Twain, Mark [pseud. of Samuel Clemens.]
New York: Sheldon & Company, 1871. First edition, First state without the copyright ad (BAL 3326). This copy bearing the first page of an unsigned letter in Twain’s hand. In reads: “Jan. 29/85 // My Dear Mr. Yenowine [journalist & newspaper owner], // Ah, I wish you had / spoken to me about / it – then it would have / been so much easier / to explain why it is out / of my power to do it. / You see, there are existing / contracts which debar / me – I am not my own / master in the matter. - / But I mustn’t try to ex- / plain with a pen, for that / would sap me in a few [ending incomplete]” Octavo, bound by Sickles in brown levant & marbled boards (hardcover, leather), with the gilt-stamped monogram of Charles Edward Ballard, hotelier & circus owner, on the upper panel of front cover, gilt-decorated spine, top edge gilt, [1]-47, [1 ad] pp. Illus. Fine. (Inventory #: 71287bd)