The Art of Book Design: Eve’s Diary

Mark Twain. Eve’s Diary. Illustrated by Lester Ralph. London and New York, Harper and Bros., 1906.

Today’s Mark Twain is one of my favourite books, Eve’s Diary. It’s nothing like Adam’s Diary, which I posted yesterday. Everything about it is unique. The artwork is softer and evocative and involves you in the story on an emotional level. The book is brilliantly illustrated by Lester Ralph in the Art Nouveau style, and every page has a charming illustration. I chose a few of my favourites to share with you below, but it was hard to limit myself.

It isn’t just the artwork that sets Eve’s Diary apart. The story is also told in a different style. Eve speaks with a sense of wonder and curiosity that is captivating and utterly charming. The book also has one of the most poignant and beautiful endings I’ve encountered. I encourage you to read this book. It’s wonderful.

That’s my copy of Eve’s Diary in the picture. (Sorry it’s a bit fuzzy – I’m hopeless using my phone camera) It was a gift from Marcus, and I treasure it. Marcus shared with me that Twain had just lost his wife and his daughter around the time of writing Eve’s Diary. It gave the book more depth for me, so I’m sharing it with you.

The illustrations are from The Internet Archive, where you can read the book. Enjoy.

Eve’s Diary, page 2.

Eve’s Diary, page 10.

Eve’s Diary, page 14.

Eve’s Diary, page 30.

Eve’s Diary, page 36.

Eve’s Diary, page 38.

Eve’s Diary, page 42.

Eve’s Diary, page 48.

Eve’s Diary, page 60.

Eve’s Diary, page 72.

Eve’s Diary, page 82.

Eve’s Diary, page 86.

Eve’s Diary, page 94.

 

The Art of Book Design: Extracts from Adam’s Diary

Mark Twain. Extracts from Adam’s Diary. Illustrated by F. Strothmann. New York, Harper & Bros., 1904.

Today’s first edition Twain is another submission from Marcus. Adam’s Diary is a satirical and lighthearted look at Adam’s early days in the Garden of Eden. I’m including a few of the drawings from the book, mostly for comparison with the drawings from tomorrow’s book. You won’t want to miss that!

Extracts from Adam’s Diary, Frontispiece by F. Strothmann.

Extracts from Adam’s Diary, page 2.

Extracts from Adam’s Diary, Page 6.

Extracts from Adam’s Diary, Page 14.

Extracts from Adam’s Diary, Page 68.

 

Cover photo via Marcus Ranum (Stderr)

The book is available to read at The Internet Archive

The Art of Book Design: Extract from Captain Stormfield’s Visit to Heaven

Mark Twain. Extract from Captain Stormfield’s Visit to Heaven. Cover design and frontispiece by Albert Levering. New York and London, Harper Brothers, 1909.

Today’s book by Mark Twain was submitted by Marcus, and he’s holding his own first edition copy of the book. I love the artwork on the cover, and since the frontispiece illustration is similar, but with more detail, I’m including that as well.

Extract from Captain Stormfield’s Visit to Heaven. Frontispiece by Albert Levering.

 

Cover photo via Marcus Ranum (Stderr)

The book is available to read at The Internet Archive