ALS signed “Clemens,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 5 x 8, October 26, [1870]. Letter written to “Friend Bliss.” In part: “If I believed that writing for the Galaxy hurt the sale of my books with anybody who didn’t make that excuse simply because they wanted an excuse of some kind, I would retire from the magazine to-morrow. But I cannot believe it. It is a good advertisement for me—as you show when you desire me to quit the Galaxy & go on to your paper. But if I am hurting myself through the Galaxy, I want to know it—& then I will draw out of that & write for no periodical—for I have chewed & drank & sworn, habitually, & have discarded them all, & am well aware that a bad thing should be killed entirely—tapering off is a foolish & dangerous business. A week or ten days ago I notified the Galaxy that my year would end with the April number, & although I hated to quit, I might find it necessary because the magazine interfered with other work & I half expected to lecture a little next year.” In very good to fine condition, with intersecting mailing folds (small repairs to the ends of the heavy vertical fold), a notation of “Mark Twain, Oct. 26/70,” in another hand at top of page, a cramped but legible signature, first page of text a shade or two light, and some scattered light soiling.
Galaxy Magazine, or The Galaxy, was an American monthly published from 1866 to 1878. For three years, Clemens contributed more than 80 articles to the New York-based publication, satirizing various people or national institutions. Among his topics were criticisms of the mistreatment of Chinese immigrants in the United States as well as hypocritical religious leaders. As promised here, Clemens did indeed end his contributions to pursue other interests, with his last article appearing six months after sending this letter. Great insight from Clemens who ponders whether he is being overexposed as a writer, or whether he is spreading himself too thin via various writing assignments. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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