I stumbled upon two old Mark Twain books recently at a thrift store here in Florida and I bought them both despite the fact that one appeared to have writing in one of the front pages. I finally read the writing when I got home, it read: "The Mysterious Stranger is one of my favorites as it discloses the mystic element (in? sp) my father's nature. Sincerely Yours, Clara Clemens Gabrilowitsch. 3. October 1938." There is also a newspaper article attached to the front page written by Malcom W. Bingay with a question and answer about the book. Among other things, Bingay writes, "If any set of Mark Twain is advertised as "complete" and does not contain "The Mysterious Stranger," then the publisher ought to be prosecuted, put in solitary confinement for the rest of his life and have one toe nail pulled out every year just to keep him miserable." The book itself is not in excellent condition.
Re: Mark Twain Book Signed by Clara Clemens
Lucky you to find these books! Very rare to have a signature like that! I would email Antique Roadshow or even the Mark Twain Museum for verifying the signature, and for a value. See if they will give you a Certificate of Authenticity to keep with your books.
Re: Mark Twain Book Signed by Clara Clemens
Clara Langhorne Clemens Samossoud, formerly Clara Langhorne Clemens Gabrilowitsch (June 8, 1874 - November 19, 1962), was the daughter of Samuel Clemens, who wrote as Mark Twain. She was a contralto concert singer and, as her father's only surviving daughter, managed his estate and guarded his legacy after his death. She was married twice -- first to Ossip Gabrilowitsch, then (after Gabrilowitsch's death) to Jacques Samossoud. She wrote biographies of Gabrilowitsch and of her father. In her later life she became a Christian Scientist I find it interesting that this same exact book sold for $150.00 on E Bay????Feb 9th? when was this posted here?
here is what make things so crazy about internet posted sales. once something is SOLD on E Bay. now that becomes what it worth in the world.... even tho its really worth more on the open market for the right collector, people seem to think E Bay is now the Price setting Bible for the world... SO, your book is now worth $150.00. if it was signed by both her and her dad, add two Zeros..
Re: Mark Twain Book Signed by Clara Clemens
I have had a book for quite some time signed by Clara Clemens Gabrilowitsch. It is personally enscribed to Mr. & Mrs. Edward Doheny. It also has the Doheny family library labels on the inside. The book is Joan of Arc by Mark Twain. Copyright 1924 by Clara gabrilowitsch. She did not date the signature. The book itself is in poor/fair condition. I was just wondering if there was a market for it, and does it have value? Thanks in advance for any help.