Autograph note signed to Robert Watt with original albumen print photograph
by CLEMENS, SAMUEL L
- Used
- near fine
- Signed
- Condition
- Near Fine
- Seller
-
Stevenson, Maryland, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Framed with the albumen photograph (41/2 x 31/2 in. oval) that accompanied the note. Light browning. A wonderful display piece.
Mark Twain the humorist. Samuel Clemens sent this delightful humorous note with the accompanying half- length standing portrait of the debonair author.
The author writes:
"My Dear Mr. Watt: There is a trifle too much 'style' in the attitude for a plain man like me, but the photographer did it. Yrs truly Saml L. Clemens July 16/74."
Clemens, who had humble origins, could be quite vain. In his later years he famously wore brilliant white linen suits. Here he pokes fun at his appearance in the photograph, reminding his correspondent of his roots.
Watt was a Danish journalist and author who translated Twain's Sketches into Danish. He sent a copy of the unauthorized edition to Twain in May 1874 and asked the author for a photograph and a few lines.
Clemens replied with a long, friendly letter joking that "the sketches have a familiar look, but their meaning is hidden from me in their foreign garb." He added that he would put the Danish edition on his shelves, writing, "my remote posterity will find it & think I was a very learned man & wrote books in foreign tongues."
Then Clemens acceded to Watt's request for a photograph and continued in the same humorous vein, writing, "There is a trifle too much 'style' in the attitude for a plain man like me, but the photographer did it."
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Details
- Seller
- 19th Century Rare Book and Photograph Shop (US)
- Seller's Inventory #
- 32820734
- Title
- Autograph note signed to Robert Watt with original albumen print photograph
- Author
- CLEMENS, SAMUEL L
- Book Condition
- Used - Near Fine
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Place of Publication
- No place
- Date Published
- July 16, 1874
- Weight
- 0.00 lbs
Terms of Sale
19th Century Rare Book and Photograph Shop
30 day return guarantee, with full refund including shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed or damaged.