“THERE ARE FEW PLEASURES THE WORLD CONTAINS SO VALUABLE AS HIS MEMORY IN THE HEARTS OF HIS FRIENDS”

KING, Clarence. Memoirs. The Helmet of Mambrino. New York and London: for the King Memorial Committee of The Century Association by G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1904. Octavo, original half vellum gilt, uncut, top edge gilt. $300.

First edition of this commemoration of “the most remarkable man of our time” (Henry Adams), in original half vellum-gilt.

"A writer, raconteur and one of the foremost geologists of the 19th century," King spent his later years promoting Mexican gold and silver mines and "as an active clubman, belonging to several fashionable clubs in New York such as the Century Association, where he was held in high esteem by his associates, including such celebrities as Theodore Roosevelt, John Hay and Henry Adams. Adams idolized King and called him 'the most remarkable man of our time" (ANB). This commemorative volume, published following King's death in 1901, includes numerous personal recollections of King, as well as his short story, "The Helmet of Mambrino." With frontispiece portrait and eight photographs.

Scattered light offsetting. Expected soiling to vellum, boards with toning to edges, gilt bright. A near-fine copy. Scarce.