Mark Twain: A Biography – Albert Bigelow Paine – 1912 | 4 Vol. First Edition

This is the complete four-volume first edition of Mark Twain: A Biography by Albert Bigelow Paine, printed in 1912 by Harper & Brothers. Twain personally selected Paine to document his life and supplied him with letters, stories, and direct access. The set begins with a facsimile of Twain’s 1907 handwritten note confirming his support for the project. These volumes include Twain’s letters, early family memories, stories from Hannibal, and accounts of his writing, travels, and later years.

Two editions were published of Paine’s biography of Twain: a four-volume set and a three-volume set. This is the first four-volume printing.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Mark Twain: A Biography. The Personal and Literary Life of Samuel Langhorne Clemens
• Author(s): Albert Bigelow Paine
• Illustrator(s):
• Contributor(s): Mark Twain
• Publisher: New York and London, Harper & Brothers
• Edition: First Edition, 1912.
• Format: Octavo, 4 volumes
• Binding: Publisher’s green cloth
• Size: ~8.5 in x 5.75 in (21.5 cm x 14.5 cm)
• Collation: Volumes continuously paginated
• Illustrations: Dozens of plates throughout
• Contents Include:
  • Accounts of Twain’s childhood and youth in Missouri
  • Letters to family, friends, and publishers
  • Stories from his career as a lecturer and traveler
  • Personal losses and observations from late life
  • Facsimile of Twain’s 1907 letter authorizing Paine
• Reference(s): BAL 3386

Condition:

Bound in original green cloth with gilt titling and spine decorations. Light rubbing to edges and spine ends. Bindings are secure with no loose gatherings. Gilt remains clear on all volumes. Pages are clean with mild age toning. Plates are present and protected by tissue where called for. The facsimile of Twain’s endorsement letter is included.

Why Collect This?

• Full 1912 Harper first four-volume edition in original bindings

• Features unpublished letters and personal stories