Collecting Mark Twain

In the annals of American Fiction, no other authors loom as large as Samuel L. Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, and Edgar Allan Poe. Although it is possible to debate the relative quality of the two as writers, America's love affair with the creations of Mark Twain is unquestionable.

Mark Twain had an innate understanding of the inner workings of the human mind, both good and bad. He had an eye for detail and his generation's sharpest tongue, which he used with relish and without mercy to skewer every pompous attitude and every wrong-headed action that came to his attention. The great humor with which he accomplished this self-appointed life's mission is as real and vital today as it was a century ago.

A partial list of his works provides proof enough of his importance to American literature. A resume that includes THE INNOCENTS ABROAD, THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER, THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER, A CONNECTICUT YANKEE IN KING ARTHUR'S COURT and THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN is enough to cause any other writer to feel a bit more humble.

In fact, HUCKLEBERRY FINN is considered by many to be "The Great American Novel ". As Ernest Hemmingway stated: "All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called HUCKLEBERRY FINN....There was nothing before. There has been nothing as good since."

In light of such praise, it's hard to believe that some school systems have banned HUCK from their shelves. I guess an artist can hold a mirror up to society, but he can't make society like what it sees there.

Mark Twain first editions run the gamut from very expensive to surprisingly inexpensive, but they are all good investments. It is also possible to find signed items by Twain. For a taste of humor, a taste of truth and a taste of Americana, put Mark Twain on your collecting menu.

Copyright 1996 - 2001 C. Dickens Fine, Rare and Collectible Books, Atlanta, Georgia