The exhibition examines the work of Samuel Langhorne Clemens who crafted the “Mark Twain” persona and built a legacy that continues to influence humorists today.
Featuring more than 120 works - many displayed for the first time - drawn from the private collection of Susan Jaffe Tane with highlights from the Henry W. and Albert A. Berg Collection at The New York Public Library, A First-Class Fool presents first and rare editions of Twain’s published works, including presentation copies, first periodical appearances, and uncommon variants; books from Twain’s library and other personal effects; autograph letters and manuscripts; photographs; and a wide variety of ephemera.
Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm
Free admission
Ground floor Gallery
Grolier Club
47 E 60th Street
New York, NY
40.76400596369, -73.9699713
A First-Class Fool: Mark Twain and Humor
![Origen of Alexandria (c. 185–253) Homilia in Genesim, Homiliae in Exodum, in Latin, translation by Rufinus, decorated manuscript on parchment [Austria, Lambach Abbey? c. 1150–1175]. Estimate: $150,000-$200,000.](/sites/default/files/styles/category_card/public/media-images/2026-06/origen.jpeg?itok=0V_4_Lt2)
