Historic Books by Mark Twain and Thomas L. McKenney Come to Sale with Potter & Potter Auctions

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, was a celebrated writer, essayist and humorist. He was also known for his amusing travel writings, drawing on his rich experiences. One such bestselling work by Twain is a key highlight of the upcoming sale, offered by Potter & Potter Auctions. The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrims’ Progress, published by American Publishing Company in 1869, is an eight-volume book with a frontispiece and engraved title-page. It comprises 14 plates inserted throughout and numerous intertextual illustrations. The book journals Twain’s travel accounts on the U. S. S. Quaker City steamship. The presentation copy is inscribed by Twain on the first blank. It reads, “This book is given to Miss Jane Findlay Shunk, With the Kindest regards of Mark Twain [flourish] Harrisburgh, [sic].”

Another lot of interest is Thomas L. McKenney’s History of the Indian Tribes of North America. The book has 42 hand-colored lithographed plates, mostly portraits of Native Americans painted by Charles Bird King. McKenney was a US official who served as Superintendent of Indian Affairs from 1824 to 1830. He worked with James Hall and Charles to create three volumes of the book, released between 1836 and 1844. Visit Potter & Potter Auctions to view the complete auction catalog and register to bid in the upcoming Fine Books & Manuscripts sale. Check out more previews of upcoming auctions by visiting Auction Daily.