Front cover of an original menu from the November 11, 1893, Lotos Club dinner, 9 x 13, signed in the lower border in pencil, “Truly yours, Mark Twain.” Also signed by 10 other attendees, including W. D. Howells and E. C. Stedman. A block of uniform overall toning from previous display, a few light creases, a touch of light soiling, and two expected punch holes to left edge, otherwise fine condition.
The Lotos Club was founded in 1870 in New York City by a group of young writers to promote literature and all the arts. Among its members was Samuel L. Clemens, who was feted at their 1893 banquet. In one of his speeches delivered that evening, Clemens “humbly” accepted the accolades: “I have seldom in my lifetime listened to compliments so felicitously phrased or so well deserved...While I am charged with having no reverence for anything, I wish to say that I have reverence for the man who can utter such truths, and I also have a deep reverence and a sincere one for a club that can do such justice to me. To be the chief guest of such a club is something to be envied, and if I read your countenances rightly I am envied. I am glad to see this club in such palatial quarters. I remember it twenty years ago when it was housed in a stable.” A lovely Twain signature from what had to have been a memorable evening for those in attendance. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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