August 2010 – Montblanc Limited Writers Edition 2010
Mark Twain – In honor of an American literary revolutionary
“All Modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn. There was nothing before. There has been nothing as good since.” – Ernest Hemingway
In celebration of the centenary of Mark Twain’s death, Montblanc has dedicated its Limited Writers Edition 2010 to one of America’s greatest novelists. The uniquely crafted writing instrument is a fitting homage to the creator of such classics as “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”. Regarded to this day as the founder of Modern American literature, Twain was a vocal opponent of slavery and racial segregation. His works were socially critical yet entertaining novels and short stories, which inspired generations of authors. Driven by a precise observant eye, a fierce sense of humour, and critical wit, his works have left an enduring effect on American literature.
Born Samuel Langhorne Clemens 175 years ago, he achieved fame as a writer under the literary pseudonym Mark Twain. The name originated from his experience as a river pilot on a steamboat and was a term used in sailor’s language to signal the depth of navigable waters of the Mississippi. His early works included travel reports, humorous verse and short stories but over the years more than 30 monumental works followed. It was “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, published in 1884, which became his ultimate masterpiece and earned him his worldwide reputation as a literary genius. The story of a young runaway and black slave who, on a small raft on the Mississippi, proved that friendship and trust can break down all racial barriers. This work is without a doubt the milestone in Twain’s legacy and is still regarded as relevant and pioneering to this day. The Montblanc Limited Writers Edition Mark Twain is entirely inspired by the works of the legendary writer and his Southern roots, apparent in many of his works. The sinuous curving lines on the cap and barrel of the writing instrument, made of deep blue precious resin, are inspired by the Mississippi and its shallow waves. It was this imposing “Ol’ Man River” that captivated Twain and influenced him through out his life.
The top of the cap is shaped to resemble the steamboat chimneys, whose steam is illustrated by ivory-colored precious resin. The clip is formed by a stylized jaw’s harp, a musical instrument that was popular in the Southern States during Twain’s lifetime. Beneath the clip, the cap ring is marked with the author’s signature as well as the limitation number. Finally, the delicately designed 18 K gold nib is engraved with two fathoms used in former times as an indication for the depth under the keel of a sails boat.
The pinnacle of Twain’s literary achievements came with the title of “master of Arts” and the honorary doctorate awarded to him by Yale University in 1901. This was an outstanding achievement for a man who left school at the young age of eleven years old following his father’s death, to take up an apprenticeship as a typesetter. A monumental writer, Twain’s writings, lectures and articles were so numerous that researchers and specialists have not yet to this day been able to create a definitive collection of his work.
Issued every year since 1992 in a limited edition worldwide, the Montblanc Limited Writers Edition with its timelessly classic designs pays tribute to the lives and works of the greatest icons in literary history. Montblanc is often considered as the custodian of writing culture. As such it has a cultural duty to honour the most distinguished authors of human civilization.
Montblanc Limited Writers Editions are sought after by connoisseurs and avid collectors worldwide. Increasing their rarity and value is the unique handcrafting involved in their production process. The manufacturing tools, specially developed for the production of every Montblanc Limited Writers Edition are destroyed at the end of each production run to make reproduction forever impossible.
The Montblanc Limited Writers Edition Mark Twain will be available in Montblanc boutiques from August 2010. In the Philippines, it will be available in Montblanc boutiques in Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-la.
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