August 9 Thursday – Sam wrote to Frank N. Doubleday about “What is Man?” and a proposed special binding for ten copies:

If I understand McClure’s tentative offer I know Harvey would not consider it. When he was here the other day he said he had told McC that the price offered must be a very stiff one. Thank you very cordially for the pains you have taken with the matter.

      Good. Now if Mr. Bothwell will keep that letter-form “standing” it will come in handy in case of future distributions.

      Whenever you light upon a luxurious binding for the 10 special copies, nail it, old man. / Sincerely…[MTP]. Note: J.W. Bothwell, DeVinne’s superintendent, whose name was used to keep Clemens’ anonymous.

Isabel Lyon’s journal: Today Jean, Gerry & AB [Paine] & I went up the mountain. We went slowly up those beautiful heights & rock stretches and we didn’t go even to the second peak, so prone we were to nestle down upon that mighty framework & drink in its wonders. I had taken along the Rubaiyat & read from it as we sat around the spring after our dinner. Dear Jean was in a wonderfully sweet mood. Gerry was very beautiful to look at & to listen to, & AB was brilliant & full of philosophy and of himself. It was all so lovely. Then to reach home at 7:30 & find the King stretched out on the couch with the two black kittens asleep on his legs was a sweet ending to the day. Gerry spent the night [MTP TS 105].

George B. Harvey wrote to Sam [MTP]. Note: not found at MTP.