- Fantastic historical pamphlet signed by Mark Twain - America's great novelist
- Unusually long inscription with a bold, clear signature in Twain's flourishing hand
- Signed during the Jamestown Exposition of 1907 - an important event celebrating the first permanent English settlement in the US.
Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835-1910), more famously known by his pen name Mark Twain, was a prolific and well respected American author.
Noted and admired for his keen wit and satirical skills, he has been described as the "greatest American humorist of his age", with William Faulkner describing him as "the father of American literature".
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884) are his most famous published works, which have become known as the very definition of the "Great American Novel".
This celebratory pamphlet and menu is signed on the cover by Twain in fine brown/black ink. His inscription reads:
"To Mrs. Hugh Gordon Miller, With The affectionate & grateful remembrances of Mark Twain. James Town Exposition, September 24/07. (The day after the struggle)."
As indicated in Twain's inscription, the piece was signed during the famous Jamestown Exposition of 1907, which was one of many world's fairs and exposition held in the US during the early part of the 20th century.
Measuring 10" x 8", the pamphlet celebrates "The First Hudson River Steamboat, Robert Fulton's "Clermont", 1807-1907".
Inside, printed text highlights the historic importance of the vessel and its context. A red, white and blue ribbon ties the pages and cover together.
The Clermont was the first Steamboat to make a voyage of any significant distance, journeying between New York and Albany in 1807. September 23, 1907 was dedicated to the celebration of the centennial of the steamboat and named Fulton Day at the exposition.
Mark Twain was in attendance as a founding member of the Robert Fulton Monument Association and sailed to the exposition aboard the yacht Kanawha, much to the appreciation of the gathered crowds.
Passengers on board a steamboat were in such a panic to catch a glimpse of the writer, who had already achieved considerable fame at this stage, that they gathered on the starboard side of the vessel and caused it to careen toward's Twain's yacht.
"The struggle", noted in Twain's inscription, refers to the disastrous weather that struck on Fulton Day, which almost brought the three-mile long marine parade festivities to a standstill.
The item is in excellent condition, with some light toning.
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