Life of Mark Twain, from the Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People series of booklets (N79) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This small booklet, titled "Life of Mark Twain," is part of the "Histories of Poor Boys and Famous People" series produced by W. Duke, Sons & Co. for Duke brand cigarettes in 1888. The image, typical of the era, depicts a portrait of Mark Twain with a stern expression, a handlebar mustache, and a red bow tie. The booklet served as a promotional tool for the tobacco company, capitalizing on the popularity of Mark Twain and other historical figures to market their cigarettes. This small but historically significant artifact is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcasing the intersection of American literature and early cigarette advertising.