Sell or Auction Your Mark Twain Autograph Manuscript for up to About $50,000 or More at Nate D. Sanders Auctions
FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Mark Twain autograph manuscript that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
Sell Your Mark Twain Autograph Manuscript
Below is a recent realized price for a Mark Twain autograph manuscript. We at Nate D. Sanders Auctions can obtain up to this amount or more for you:
Mark Twain Autograph Manuscript. Sold for About $50,000.
Here are some Mark Twain items we have sold:
Lovely first edition set of Mark Twain’s ”Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and ”Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, bound in publisher’s rarer and generally more desirable blue cloth with gilt accenting. ”Tom Sawyer” is a first edition, second printing (Hartford: American Publishing, 1876) while ”Huckleberry Finn” is a first edition, first printing (New York: Charles L. Webster, 1885). ”Tom Sawyer” printing points include half-title and frontis on same leaf, and no type damage on ”furniture to” on last line of page 17, found in the 3rd and later printings. One of only 748 copies with all edges gilt. All first printing points for ”Huckleberry Finn” are present including the most important table cloth visible underneath the bust of Twain with ”Heliotype Printing Co.” imprint. Both books measure 7” x 8.75”. Light rubbing and shelf wear to both and some internal foxing. ”Tom Sawyer” is in very good condition with the front hinge starting. ”Huckleberry Finn” is in very good plus condition. Internally, both are clean and free of any writing. A very attractive set with the blue cloth still bold and vibrant. Sold for $8,750.
Very Nice Signed Copy of Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer
Excellent signed copy of Mark Twain’s “Tom Sawyer,” dated 10 May 1899. Inscribed on front free endpaper: “Truly Yours Mark Twain / May 10, 1899.” London: Chatto and Windus: 1899. A later edition of the classic that became the wellspring of American literary fiction, with wood-engraved illustrations by True Williams. In this quintessentially American novel, Twain introduces Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn and their mischievous adventures in antebellum Missouri. With one marginal small tear to preface, light toning and occasional staining to pages. Original blue cloth boards with gilt lettering. Spine is rubbed and frayed at head and foot with cracking hinges, some page loosening and rubbed corners. Very good overall. Sold for $7,500.
First Edition, First Printing of Mark Twain’s Masterpiece, ”Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
First edition, first printing of ”Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Tom Sawyer’s Comrade)” by Mark Twain with illustrations by E.W. Kimble. New York: Charles L. Webster and Company, 1885. This beloved classic has become a wellspring of American literary fiction, prompting Ernest Hemingway to say, ”All modern American literature comes from just one book by Mark Twain called ‘Huckleberry Finn.”’ All first issue points present including: (1) heading for chapter 6 reads ”decided” (later corrected to ”decides”) on page 9; (2) ”Him and another man” listed incorrectly with ”88” on page 13; (3) page 57, 11 lines from bottom, reads ”with the was”; (4) tablecloth under the bust of Twain at frontis is visible and ”Heliotype Printing Co.” imprint is present, with tissue guard; (5) on page 155, the second ”5” is a different font; (6) final leaf is blank; (7) title page is tipped-in. Novel runs 366pp. measuring 6.875” x 8.675”. In publisher’s deep green pictorial cloth, stamped and lettered in gilt and black. Light shelf wear, previous owner’s stamp in two places on first few leaves, and a few spots of discoloration within. A handsome copy, in very good condition. Sold for $5,625.
Mark Twain “Jumping Frog” Rare Book
New York: C. H. Webb, 1867 first edition of Mark Twain’s rare book “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County and Other Sketches”. Original boards with gilt frog on cover, blind stamped on rear cover. Beveled edges. Front cover has bumped corners, slight front hinge rub. Lower rear of spine cap chipped. Light foxing on some pages. Spine tight. All first issue indications present: single ad leaf on cream paper inserted before title page, the number “1” unbroken on page 21, “life” unbroken type on page 66, “i” in “this” unbroken type on page 198. Two red drops on cover. Good condition. Excllent Mark Twain 1st editon/ 1st printing. Sold for $5,264.
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. Sold for $4,915.
Samuel Clemens signs one of his pithy sayings with his given name and also with his alter ego, Mark Twain. The novelist, who is the most often quoted American writer, writes, ”Always acknowledge a fault frankly. This will throw those in authority off their guard & give you opportunity to commit more. Yours truly / Samuel L. Clemens / Mark Twain / July ’77.” Note measures 6.5” x 6.5”. Toning from previous framing, else near fine. Excellent dual Mark Twain autograph. Sold for $4,153.
Mark Twain autograph quote signed, with one of his famous and funny witticisms. Dated December 1898, Twain handwrites, ”For the Yale boy / Much time has been lost in getting drunk. It could be done quicker. / Truly Yours / Mark Twain”. Penned on a black-bordered page of bifolium stationery measuring 4” x 6.125”. Near fine condition. Sold for $3,850.
Mark Twain autograph signed twice on a first edition compilation set. The American literary great signs ”Mark Twain / S. L. Clemens” to a tipped-in fly-leaf of the first volume in ”The Works of Mark Twain: Definitive Edition”, Gabriel Wells: New York: 1922. 35-volume set is No. 521 of 1,024. Twain signed leaves to be tipped-in once the set was published, as he had accurately predicted his death would precede the books’ release. Each volume is bound in beige paper boards with blue cloth spine and spine titles on printed paper, measuring approximately 5” x 8”. Original dustjackets ranging from poor to fair accompany 32 of the 35 volumes. Books are near fine given age, with only the slightest shelf wear to edges. Signed volume is bumped at the top right of the front board and has pencil notations to the front free endpaper and a tiny stain to the tipped-in leaf, else near fine. Its accompanying rare dustjacket has a detached flap and paper loss to the spine base, else near fine. A well-preserved, very desirable set. Nice dual Twain autograph. Sold for $3,355.
”The Writings of Mark Twain” 37 Volume Set — Signed Both ”S.L. Clemens” and ”Mark Twain” to Volume 1
”The Writings of Mark Twain” 37 volume set, signed by America’s foremost author in Volume 1. Gabriel Wells: New York: 1922-1925. This ”Definitive Edition” set was announced in 1922 and marketed to wealthy collectors. Illustrated with photogravure frontis portraits and roughly 160 illustrations throughout the set. #198 of 1024 with a tipped-in leaf signed ”S.L. Clemens / Mark Twain” in the first volume. Bound opposite sheet is additionally signed by Mark Twain’s biographer Albert Bigelow Paine who wrote: ”The fly-leaf was signed by Mark Twain in 1906 in anticipation of the publication of this edition which did not appear until after his death.” Octavo books are bound in paper and blue cloth spines with printed paper spine labels. Some discoloration to spines of each volume which almost all have dampstaining to front pastedown and free endpaper. Two volumes have missing labels on the spine, a few others have loose labels, and the binding is a little loose on the first signed volume. Overall very good, and a nearly-immaculate keepsake from America’s most famous and accomplished writer. Signature page is near fine. Sold for $3,125.
Mark Twain Autograph Quote Signed With Both His Pseudonym, Mark Twain and Also as S.L. Clemens — “…claims acquaintance by inheritance…”
Rare autograph quote twice-signed by Mark Twain, who here pens a clever quip, “From one who claims acquaintance by inheritance. / Truly yours / S.L. Clemens / (Mark Twain)”, inscribing the quote to Miss Annie Lamb, with the year 1882 written in another hand. Quote is contained within an autograph book belonging to Miss Lamb, the daughter of Twain’s congressman Alfred William Lamb. Page measures 7.25″ x 4.75″. Faint foxing, else near fine with bold handwriting. Sold for $2,550.
35 volume set of ”The Works of Mark Twain”, signed by Twain on the flyleaf of the first volume with both his given name and famous pseudonym: ”S.L. Clemens / Mark Twain”. This limited edition is #209 of 1,024 copies. Published in New York: Gabriel Wells, 1922-23 after Twain’s death; Twain signed the pages in 1906 prior to its publication. Twain biographer Albert Bigelow Paine also signs volume I, on a separate flyleaf. Volumes each measure 6” x 9”. Most volumes are in very good to near fine condition, including volume I, which has only minor shelf wear. Hinges of volumes XII, XIII, XXXIII and XXXIV are starting to separate, and label of XIII is detached but present. Some toning to labels and scuffing to boards. Entire set is in very good condition overall. Sold for $2,500.
Rare Mark Twain twice-signed limited edition of ”The Writings of Mark Twain.” Signed ”S.L. Clemens / (Mark Twain)” in black ink with a flourish to the limitation page of Volume I. #30 of 512 limited edition autographed copies. Published by The American Publishing Company: Hartford, CT: 1899. Volume contains Clemens’ first book, ”The Innocents Abroad or The New Pilgrims’ Progress,” an edited compilation of the humorous travel articles first published in San Francisco’s ”The Daily Alta California” newspaper, in which he chronicles his 5-month-long pleasure cruise around Europe destined for the Holy Land in 1867. Contemporary burgundy leather boards with gilt design and ribbed spine. Ornate marbled endpapers. 377pp. book measures 6” x 8.75”. Top edge gilt and deckled fore and tail-edges. Very good condition. Sold for $2,291.
Samuel Clemens autograph letter signed, dated 24 February 1906 on his ”21 Fifth Avenue” stationery. Written at 70 years of age, letter is addressed Govinier C. Hall of the Hall-Truman Furniture Company and reads in full, ”Dear Sir: I am old, now, or nearly that, & shall not travel anymore; otherwise I would accept, & with pleasures & alacrity. My most sincere thanks for the book. I like the illustrations more than I can tell. They are bright & graceful and humorous, & eloquently competent, without help of those medicamp aids, violence, distortion & extravagance. God bless this artist and try to forgive the other kind. Very truly yours / S.L. Clemens”. One page letter with second blank integral page measures 3.75” x “6 with some foxing and toning, and tape residue to second integral page. Includes original postmarked envelope. Overall, very good. Sold for $1,875.
Mark Twain autograph letter signed, undated. Lengthy letter is addressed to ”My dear Johnson” (Robert Underwood Johnson), and discusses an upcoming book with a portion to appear in ”The Century” magazine. Thoughtful letter is datelined Elmira, New York, ”Saturday”, in part: ”…I am sorry to have made delay by going away, but it was one of these unavoidable things. If the article were going in the Dec. No., I wouldn’t be strenuous about anything, but it is going to come out early enough to give many careless readers the impression that all of it will appear in the Century. Those are hard people for a canvasser to capture. So you see I have offered a compromise. I use the book’s title as a heading but ask you to put in that foot-note telling who publishes it. So in the case of ordinary book-notices, this has an effect which works both ways & is fair to all — to the reader who wants the book, it tells where to apply; & also tells the other sort where not to apply. Are you perfectly willing? Also I have removed from the opening bracketed paragraph every suggestion of apology. Yours sincerely S.L. Clemens / I mail the proof by this same mail”. Letter on two sheets is framed side-by-side, with each sheet measuring 5” x 8”. Framed with a photo of Twain to an overall size of 19” x 26.5”. Letter shows light creasing, else near fine condition. Sold for $1,720.
We also sold the following rare books:
Exceedingly Rare First Printing Dust Jacket of “The Great Gatsby” — Scarce Jacket Houses First Printing of the Classic Novel
Rare first edition, first printing of one of the most desired books in the history of literature, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”, with the nearly impossible to find first printing dust jacket, showing the lowercase “j” in “Jay Gatsby” on the rear flap hand-corrected in ink, indicative of the first printing. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1925. Designed by artist Francis Cugat, the dust jacket echoes the romantic tone of the novel, with hints of loss and opulence at its core, showing a pair of feminine eyes, with two nude figures in her irises, gazing over a Coney Island carnival. Fitzgerald’s reaction to the jacket was captured in a 1924 letter to editor Maxwell Perkins, “For Christ’s sake, don’t give anyone that dust jacket you’re saving for me. I’ve written it into the book.” It is perhaps one of the few instances where the jacket design actually influenced the novel, and is one of the scarcest first printing jackets in modern literature.
For the book itself, every first printing point is present: 1925 printed on title page; Charles Scribner’s Sons logo appears on the copyright page with no subsequent printing statements; “chatter” appears on page 60; “northern” appears on page 119; “it’s” printed on line 16 of page 165; “sick in tired” found on page 205; “Union Street station” mistyped on line 7-8 of page 211. Bound in teal cloth boards with title and author’s name blind-stamped to front board and gilt lettering to spine. Book runs 218pp., and measures 5.5″ x 7.75″. Minor shelf wear and discoloration to half-title page, overall in very good plus condition for book. Light chipping to spine of jacket, and small losses on spine and upper front portion expertly restored, as well as light edgewear. Also in very good plus condition. Housed in custom blue morocco slipcase. A very seldom-encountered true first printing of an enduring classic. Sold for $84,000.
First Edition, First Printing of Charles Darwin’s Masterpiece, “On the Origin of Species” — “The most important biological book ever written”
First edition, first printing of “On the Origin of Species” by Charles Darwin, one of the most important books in the scientific canon. London: John Murray, 1859. In this revolutionary book that upended man’s own view of himself, Darwin posits natural selection as the engine driving species’ evolution, an argument so persuasive that even 19th century religious leaders adjusted their teachings to allow for evolution to work in concert with divine planning. Its importance has only grown in the 150+ years since publication, with Freeman concluding it to be “the most important biological book ever written”. First released on 24 November 1859, its scarcity nearly matches its importance, with the first printing consisting of only 1,250 copies, and the number of extant copies now significantly fewer.
All first printing points are present, including original binding, variant B, title page with copyright information on verso, Table of Contents (pages v-ix) with binder instructions to verso, complete pages 1-502, and folding table present between pages 116-117. Bound in publisher’s full green boards, stamped and lettered in gilt. Overall in very good condition; ads at back of volume have been removed as has half-title page, and endpapers have been replaced. Volume is rebacked using morocco, with original spine laid down. Some shelf wear to boards. Light foxing throughout book, with some chipping, small closed tears with repairs to a few pages, and a few dogeared pages. One small mark on page 109, otherwise no internal writing or marks. Housed in a custom quarter-leather clamshell box. Overall in very good condition, a handsome, presentable copy of this scarce first printing. Sold for $68,250.
First Edition, First Printing Hardback of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling — One of Only 500 Copies, the Book That Started It All
The most coveted book in the Harry Potter canon, the first edition, first printing hardback of J.K. Rowling’s first novel, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. This book is one of only 500 hardback copies published in the first printing, more scarce and collectible than the softcover published at the same time.
With all first printing points present, including “First published in Great Britain in 1997” on the copyright page, along with “Joanne Rowling” credited rather than J.K., and no space between Thomas Taylor and the copyright date (“Taylor1997”). Full number line “10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1” is present, as is the 10.99 pound price on rear board, Wendy Cooling quote to front board, and the spelling error of “Philospher’s” on rear board. Other early printing points are also present, including the repeat of “1 wand” on page 53, and “highchair” on page 8.
Since most of the 500 copies of the hardcover book were intended for library use, the number of extant copies is unknown, though estimated to be significantly fewer than the 500 published. All 500 were issued without a dust jacket, which wasn’t introduced until the third printing. This copy has part of the library laminate peeled off, corners of board professionally retouched, and previous owner’s inscription to front free endpaper. Some sunning to spine and minute cocking. A wonderful first printing, still in very good condition. A hallmark of children’s literature, one of the few hardback copies still available. Sold for $53,550.
Rare first edition, first printing of one of the most desired books in the history of literature, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ”The Great Gatsby,” published by Charles Scribner’s Sons: New York: 1925, with the nearly impossible to find first printing dustjacket. Every point is present: 1925 is printed on title page; Charles Scribner’s Sons logo appears on the copyright page with no subsequent printing statements; ”chatter” appears on page 60; ”northern” appears on page 119; ”it’s” is printed on line 16 of page 165; ”sick in tired” is found on page 205; ”Union Street station” is mistyped on line 7-8 of page 211. Bound in dark green cloth boards with title and author’s name blind-stamped to front board and gilt lettering to spine. Francis Cugat’s scarce original unrestored first printing dustjacket has the lowercase ”j” in ”jay Gatsby” on the back panel hand-corrected in ink. Sold for $50,000.
Ayn Rand First Edition, Signed Copy of “Anthem”
Hardcover with dustjacket. Caldwell, Idaho: The Caxton Printers, LTD.: 1953. Copy given to Nathaniel Branden, her purported protege and lover. Signed and inscribed by Rand in blue ink, “To Barbara and Nathan – – who are now fully my children – to mark your first six-months wedding anniversary – Ayn / July 14, 1953.” Book, which measures 6″x 8.5″, runs 105pp. Thinly-veiled sci-fi-ish allegory supports Rand’s classic Objectivist thesis regarding the subjugation of the ego for the greater whole of society. Dust jacket in near fine condition with minor chips at top. Slight cloth board spotting and very mild toning to interior. A near-perfect signed Ayn Rand first edition copy. Our most expensive Ayn Rand first edition that we have handled. Sold for $22,500.
J.K. Rowling Signed First Edition, First Printing Harry Potter Signed Book — “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” — With PSA/DNA COA
Extremely rare J.K. Rowling signed first edition, first printing Harry Potter signed book: “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” Bloomsbury: London: 1997. The author signs the dedication page “To Bryony / with best wishes / JK Rowling”. A true first edition, it features the number line 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 on the copyright page, and the first printing misprint on page 53 of “1 wand” listed twice, as well as the Wendy Cooling cover quote: “A terrific read and a stunning first novel”. Indeed, this first of Rowling’s wildly successful Harry Potter book series was published later in the U.S. under the title “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Its film adaption became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. Issued as a paperback, novel runs 223pp. and measures 5″ x 8″. Toning to leaves and edges. Rubbing to spine edges and creasing to hinges, else near fine. With PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $17,000.
1851 1st/1st Melville`s “Moby Dick”
“Moby Dick; or The Whale” by Herman Melville. New York: Harper & Brothers: 1851. First edition, first state. 635pp. with original orange endpapers. A masterwork, and a book collector’s necessity. From its indelible first line, “Call me Ishmael,” to its last, Melville’s singular novel establishes his authority as one of the literary masters of the nineteenth or any century. One of only 2,800 first edition copies published, this volume remains extremely rare as many were destroyed in an 1851 Harper’s warehouse fire. Complete with all leaves for first edition, first state; two flyleaves in the front, 3 at rear along with 6pp. of book ads; title page, dedication page, 2pp. contents, 1p. fore title, 2pp. etymology, 14pp. extracts. Volume measures approximately 5.75″ x 7.75″. Previous owner’s ink inscription to front free endpaper. Overall toning and foxing to interior. Very good, professionally restored condition. Sold for $15,000.
First Edition Set of Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” — “Fellowship of the Ring” & “Return of the King” Are First Printings; “Two Towers” Is Second Printing — All Three Are Near Fine
Very rare first edition, early printing set of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd., 1954 & 1955. All three are in extraordinarily near fine condition for both the books and their original dust jackets. “The Fellowship of the Ring” is a first edition, first printing (London: George Allen & Unwin, 1954) with map attached to rear flyleaf. Publisher’s red cloth with gilt spine titles. With signature mark “4” at the bottom of page 49. Original dust jacket priced “21s net”. “The Two Towers” is a first edition, second printing (London: George Allen & Unwin, 1954) with map attached to rear flyleaf. Publisher’s red cloth with gilt spine titles. Original dust jacket priced “21s net”. “The Return of the King” is a first edition, first printing (London: George Allen & Unwin, 1955) with map attached to rear flyleaf. Signature mark “4” present on page 49, and all lines of type sag in the middle. Publisher’s red cloth with gilt spine titles. Original dust jacket priced “21s net”. All measure 5.75″ x 9″ with top edges red. A beautiful set with only minor edge wear, toning to endpapers and very light wear to jackets. One of the nicest “Lord of the Rings” sets available. Sold for $14,588.
FREE ESTIMATE. To buy, auction, sell or consign your Mark Twain autograph manuscript that is for sale, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (http://www.NateDSanders.com).
We offer the following for your Mark Twain autograph manuscript:
- Appraise Mark Twain autograph manuscript.
- Auction Mark Twain autograph manuscript.
- Consign Mark Twain autograph manuscript.
- Estimate Mark Twain autograph manuscript.
- Sell Mark Twain autograph manuscript.
- Mark Twain autograph manuscript valuation.