Cyril Clemens; Patrick Braybrooke [foreword] — Mark Twain and Mussolini

Webster Groves, International Mark Twain Society, 1934 . First edition. Paperback. A signed presentation copy of the first edition of Cyril Clemens"s fascinating collection of interviews on Mark Twain, including the contemporary perspectives of Mussolini, Shaw, Chesterton, Galsworthy and Franklin D. Roosevelt. A very scarce first edition. Inscribed by the author to the front free endpaper, 'To Basil [..] with the homage of Cyril Clemens 30 May 1934&apos. In the publisher's original clipped dust wrapper. Illustrated with a frontispiece. An unusual collection of interviews examining the reputation and influence of Mark Twain through the opinions of prominent contemporary figures. Clemens interviewed Benito Mussolini, George Bernard Shaw, John Galsworthy, André Maurois, G. K. Chesterton, John Drinkwater and Franklin D. Roosevelt, asking them about Twain and his significance. Mussolini, whom Clemens met in Rome, professed himself an admirer of Twain"s writings. In the publisher's original paper wraps, with clipped dust wrapper. Externally, fine. Dust wrapper back strip age toned, with handling marks to wraps. Closed tear to front wrap head. Paper restoration to dust wrapper head at reverse. Inscription to front free endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Not Stated. Very Good Indeed/Very Good.