This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/25/2024
TWAIN, Mark [pseudonym of CLEMENS, Samuel (1835-1910)]. Autograph Letter Signed. York Harbor, Aug. 22/02. Addressed, “Dear Mr. Dillingham:”. 1 ½ 8vo pages and two 8vo sheets on plain white paper with two hole-punches at upper margins. Approximately 9 x 5 ½”. Both sheets toned, with some rubbing, both with 2 horizontal creases, first leaf with rectangular faint offsetting partially affecting the text, the second sheet has shallow chipping at upper margin and with pencil notes on verso in an unknown hand (these notes are about the stage version of Huckleberry Finn that the addressee, Charles Dillingham (1868-1934) was producing in conjunction with Klaw & Erlanger). At the upper left corner of the first page, there is an ink note, “Sent telegram to Iroquois [The Iriquois Theater in Chicago, co-owned by Abraham Lincoln Erlanger, mentioned by Clemens below] - E.” Very good. An excellent letter from Clemens, telling Dillingham that he (Clemens) is unable to contribute much to the play, as Clemens has his hands full caring for his ailing wife, Olivia (1845-1904). “The play came, but before I could snatch a look at it Mrs. Clemens was prostrate with a so serious illness that I have been as sick-nurse ever since: + I am still that, + am not expecting to do any work for some little time to come. So I will wait until Mr. Erlanger [theater impresario Abraham Lincoln Erlanger (1859-1930)] has has changed the play about, in accordance with your tidings [?], + then take hold of it. Will you tell Mr. Arthur [Lee Arthur, the playwright contracted to adapt Clemens’ novel for the stage] this? - I owe him a letter, + I seldom get a chance to write one, these days. Sincerely Yours S L. Clemens [p. 2:] P. S. Mrs. Clemens is reported [?] improving. It was quite time. Of course the improvement is not great - it never is, in these cases - but every little counts. We are very glad to have it. Thin [?] as the slice may be.” In 1902, Clemens contracted with the theatrical syndicate of Klaw & Erlanger to adapt Adventures of Huckleberry Finn for the stage, with Lee Arthur writing the script (although Clemens had co-writing credit, he barely worked on it). It finally opened on November 11, 1902 in Hartford, CT to lukewarm reviews, and it closed in Baltimore after only 40 performances.