Clemens, Samuel L. (1835-1910) Better known by his pseudonym, Mark Twain. One of the greatest American novelists, whose masterpieces Tom Sawyer (1876) and Huckleberry Finn (1884) drew heavily on his own boyhood experiences and are firmly established among the world's classics. Inscribed Visiting Card Signed. 3¼ x 1½", on cream card stock with black mourning border. In October of 1899, the Twains were wintering in Vienna, still mourning the death of their beloved daughter Susy Clemens, who had died in 1896. The Clemens' apartments constituted a veritable court where the world's notables gathered. In all likelihood this card comes from Europe, from the difficult period in Twain's life when he was still grieving his daughter and living abroad. Still, the author writes with characteristic geniality and humor: "When I made it appear to my wife, my dear Mr. Murray, that you manifested an interest (which I enlarged) in my portrait, she was mightily pleased & hopes you will not regard it as an intrusion- if she begs you to let her offer you this one. Sincerely yours, SL Clemens Oct. 20/ 99."
Estimated Value $850-1,250.
