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[Mark Twain] Samuel L. Clemens Autograph Letter Signed "SLC", one page on the verso of a letter sent to him. 5" ...
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Sold on Oct 14, 2010 for:
$2,390.00
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Description
Twain requests a copy of the manuscript of his latest book be sent to his benefactor H.H. Rogers
[Mark Twain] Samuel L. Clemens Autograph Letter Signed "SLC", one page on the verso of a letter sent to him. 5" x 8", England, [July 5, 1897]. Twain writes to his publishers Chatto and Windus: "Dear C + W: We leave England early in the morning the 9th. Will you please have our inventory man come day after tomorrow (6th) Tuesday) - & have him notify Ridout's inventory man to come out at the same time... The rest of the book is now ready. Let your messenger come toward noon tomorrow (Monday) & I will deliver it - both the original, for you, & the typer copy to be sent to H.[enry] H.[uttleston] Rogers, 26 Broadway, New York." The aforementioned book is his travel work Following the Equator, which he had originally delivered in May but had difficulty completing until this time in July. The book would finally be published in November 1897.Twain first met Henry Huttleston Rogers in 1893. Rogers, a successful businessman and principal in Standard Oil, took the financially challenged Twain under his wing and provided sound business advice and direction. At the time of their meeting, Twain was in near financial ruin as a result of bad investments in unsound technology and poor business decisions. It was Rogers who suggested that Twain file for bankruptcy and transfer ownership of his copyrights to his wife in order to protect the family's interests.
Following the Equator was an immediate success, selling more than 30,000 copies initially. The financial success of the book made it possible for Rogers, who also served as Twain's benefactor, to settle all of Twain's debts and invest on his behalf.
The letter is written on the back of a letter addressed to Twain from his realtor, Ridout & Co., acknowledging that arrangements have been made "to continue the tenancy for a week from today..." Light toning and some soiling, otherwise very good.
Auction Info
2010 October Beverly Hills Signature Historical Manuscripts Auction #6049 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
October, 2010
14th-15th
Thursday-Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 982
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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