Signed books: The Writings of Mark Twain: The Definitive Edition (37 volumes complete). New York: Gabriel Wells, 1922. Hardcovers, 6 x 9. Signed in ink on a front blank in Volume I “S. L. Clemens, Mark Twain,” and signed on the page opposite by publisher Albert Bigelow Paine beneath a printed statement that “this fly-leaf was signed by Mark Twain in 1906 in anticipation of the present definitive edition of his works.” The publisher originally characterized this set as “an absolutely complete, comprehensive, and definitive edition of his writings, with full biographical data, ably edited, finely printed and illustrated, and autographed by Mark Twain’s own hand.” The signed volume is in very good condition, with soiling, toning, and edge wear to covers, cracking to front hinge, and scattered light soiling and staining to interior (not affecting signed page). The remaining volumes (all volumes lacking their original jackets) are mostly in good to very good condition, with scattered soiling, staining, toning, and wear; two volumes are in poor condition, with extensive damage from water and mold. Complete sets are increasingly uncommon. RRAuction COA. Oversized.
