ALS signed “S. L. Clemens, Mark Twain,” one page, 5 x 5.25, August 5, 1884. Letter to an unidentified gentleman. In full: “I apologize for this rag of paper, & explain that I am cruising in strange waters where paper is scarce. (Paper is always scarce in strange waters-& even in the other kind.)” Soiling and light show-through from old mounting remnants on reverse, small pencil notation at top, and a central horizontal fold, otherwise fine condition.
Clemens, who was never happy with his book publishers, decided to become a publisher and editor himself in order to reap more profits from his writings as Mark Twain. In 1884 he founded Charles L. Webster and Company, a subscription publishing firm which he named after his niece’s husband. His nephew became the company’s director and served as the author’s business agent. At the time of this letter, the partners were researching paper prices for the printing of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by the fledgling firm.
Initially, the company performed well. Sales of Huckleberry Finn and the Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant made Clemens wealthy and Grant’s memoir earned his widow a $200,000 royalty. However subsequent projects fell far below sales and revenue predictions. Only Twain’s works continued to sell well, but he was forced to sink his royalties back into the struggling company. In 1888, the unhappy writer forced Webster out of the company and he resumed writing articles to pay his bills. It wasn’t enough and on April 18, 1894, the firm filed for bankruptcy with Clemens’ personal finances in ruins. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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