THE CURIOUS REPUBLIC OF GONDOUR and Other Whimsical Sketches.
New York: Boni and Liveright, 1919. Original yellow-orange boards with white cloth spine, with dust jacket.
First Edition, being the fifth volume in Boni & Liveright's "Penguin Series." Published nine years after his death, this is one of Twain's few books that appeared under his real name, without mention of his well-known pseudonym. Most of these seventeen humorous sketches had appeared in periodicals in 1870-1871, which means they were some of Twain's earliest; none had previously appeared in book form. In the title story, Twain (looking ahead about 150 years?) presents an intriguing idea: each resident of Gondour is entitled to one vote but can "earn" additional votes (up to a dozen) by availing himself or herself of (free) education; and, each candidate for office must pass strenuous examinations to verify competency before election.
This volume is fine, amazingly clean and without wear; the scarce dust jacket has one closed tear on the rear panel, plus edge-wear and soil that are quite minor. Blanck 3527; McBride p. 246. Item #15013
Price: $575.00