Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a mid-century facsimile edition of Mark Twain's famous 1888 anthology, featuring the iconic illustrations of E.W. Kemble. It serves as a curated time capsule of Gilded Age American wit, compiled by Twain himself alongside William Dean Howells.
Story
In 1888, Mark Twain set out to define American humor. This volume captures that effort, preserving the jokes and tall tales that shaped the national identity during a period of rapid industrial change and social upheaval.
Maker / Origin
Bonanza Books was a prolific mid-century publisher known for 'reprint' editions that brought out-of-print classics back to the public at affordable prices. While not the original 19th-century publisher, they were instrumental in keeping Twain's editorial legacy accessible to a new generation of readers.
Condition & Value
The dust jacket shows some light edge wear and minor toning, which is typical for paper of this age. The interior pages appear clean and the binding seems tight. The presence of the jacket significantly helps the value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.