December 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, December 18th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/18/2012
Exceedingly rare Mark Twain signed first edition, first printing of ''Eve's Diary.'' London and New York: Harper and Brothers: 1906. Inscription on front pastedown reads: ''To Mrs. K.C. Tapley with compliments of The Author / Clothes make the man, but they do not improve the woman. Yours Truly, Mark Twain / Feb/08''. Twain's inscription is a playful response to critics who condemned the ''pornographic'' illustrations throughout the book, which depicted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. All fifty-five pen and ink illustrations by Lester Ralph are present as are first printing points, ''Published June, 1906'' on copyright page and ''London and New York'' on title page. 5.5'' x 8'' book is in very good condition, in original red-cloth boards. Minor foxing throughout and toning to edges. Three photographs of Twain are also affixed to the book on the front free end paper and title page, the first of which is captioned, ''Died at 6:30 p.m. Thursday April 21/10 at Redding, Conn, US''. Housed in a satin-lined slipcase. Scarce signed copy of Mark Twain's lesser known masterpiece, showcasing the author's beloved wit.
Very Scarce Mark Twain ''Eve's Diary'' Signed First Edition -- With Playful Inscription, ''Clothes make the man, but they do not improve the woman.''
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