The Story & Significance
Published in 1882, Mark Twain’s The Stolen White Elephant, Etc. is a brilliant collection of short stories and essays that showcases the author's transition into sharper, more cynical social satire. The titular story is a biting parody of the detective genre and a scathing critique of bureaucratic incompetence. By following the absurd efforts of the New York police to locate a literal white elephant stolen in transit, Twain exposes the self-importance of "expert" investigators and the red tape that often smothers common sense. The volume also contains notable pieces such as "The Invalid's Story," further cementing Twain’s reputation as the premier American humorist of the Gilded Age.
Physical Description & Provenance
Edition: First American Edition (1882).
Publisher: James R. Osgood and Company, Boston.
Binding: Original publisher's cloth with decorative stamping. The book is in Fair condition, featuring a notably tight binding with no missing pages.
Condition Points: The covers exhibit some fading and typical bumping to the corners. Internally, the pages are clean and well-preserved.
Provenance: Includes a previous owner's inscription on the first page, adding a layer of historical authenticity to this late 19th-century volume.
Collector’s Note
For the Mark Twain specialist, The Stolen White Elephant is an essential "Osgood" title. James R. Osgood took over Twain's publishing during a pivotal period of the author's career, and these Boston editions are prized for their distinct design compared to the earlier Hartford imprints. While this copy shows honest exterior wear, its structural integrity—specifically the tight binding—makes it a superior "handling copy" for a collector. It serves as a fantastic entry point for those looking to acquire true first editions of Twain's shorter fictional works.
The Story & Significance
Published in 1882, Mark Twain’s The Stolen White Elephant, Etc. is a brilliant collection of short stories and essays that showcases the author's transition into sharper, more cynical social satire. The titular story is a biting parody of the detective genre and a scathing critique of bureaucratic incompetence. By following the absurd efforts of the New York police to locate a literal white elephant stolen in transit, Twain exposes the self-importance of "expert" investigators and the red tape that often smothers common sense. The volume also contains notable pieces such as "The Invalid's Story," further cementing Twain’s reputation as the premier American humorist of the Gilded Age.
Physical Description & Provenance
Edition: First American Edition (1882).
Publisher: James R. Osgood and Company, Boston.
Binding: Original publisher's cloth with decorative stamping. The book is in Fair condition, featuring a notably tight binding with no missing pages.
Condition Points: The covers exhibit some fading and typical bumping to the corners. Internally, the pages are clean and well-preserved.
Provenance: Includes a previous owner's inscription on the first page, adding a layer of historical authenticity to this late 19th-century volume.
Collector’s Note
For the Mark Twain specialist, The Stolen White Elephant is an essential "Osgood" title. James R. Osgood took over Twain's publishing during a pivotal period of the author's career, and these Boston editions are prized for their distinct design compared to the earlier Hartford imprints. While this copy shows honest exterior wear, its structural integrity—specifically the tight binding—makes it a superior "handling copy" for a collector. It serves as a fantastic entry point for those looking to acquire true first editions of Twain's shorter fictional works.
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