Books

The true first edition which preceded the American publication by 4 months. 32 page ads dated October 1884 thus representing the first and earliest issue. Pictorial red cloth lettered iln gilt. spine lettered in gilt with a portrailt of Huck. Covers slty water spotted. Spine bit faded, and top and tail frayed with 1" tear at head. Edges uncut, a few leaves very roughly opened, 2 sections slty started. The binding is stitched, not stapled, thus giving further proof of a first and superior issue. The front inner end paper joint is broken and the rear ditto is partially split but holding. This copy, in good plus condition ,is known as state B with the definite article in the title, the half title with a list of works on the verso, the last leaf blank except for the publisher's device , the Oct 1884 ads., the lower cover device stamped in black and light brown foliate end papers. Pencil signature of G.Lambert, 1884 on half title, and a clean copy internally, deserving re-casing. FURTHER DETAILS ; xvi, 438, [34]pp.ads . 9 titles by Twain listed on recto half title page, reads "Spottiswoode" (printer) on copyright page, Section (gathering) B, thread sewn. although I am unable to identifying the method for the remainder, although there is no sign of stapling.

"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" is a classic American novel written by Mark Twain, published in 1884. Set in the pre-Civil War South, the story is narrated by Huckleberry "Huck" Finn, a teenage boy who runs away from his abusive father. Huck befriends Jim, an escaped slave, and together they embark on a journey down the Mississippi River on a raft. The novel begins with Huck living with the Widow Douglas and Miss Watson, who attempt to civilize him. However, Huck is uncomfortable with their rules and restrictions, so he fakes his own death and escapes to the river. There, he encounters Jim, who is also running away, and they form an unlikely bond. As they travel down the river, Huck and Jim face numerous adventures and challenges. They meet a pair of con artists, the Duke and the Dauphin, who join them on the raft. The Duke and the Dauphin create chaos wherever they go, and their schemes expose the hypocrisy and moral decay of society. One of the central themes of the novel is Huck's moral growth and his struggle with societal values. He grapples with the idea of helping Jim escape to freedom, which goes against the prevailing views on race and slavery at the time. Despite the prevailing racist attitudes of the society he comes from, Huck comes to see Jim as a friend and a human being deserving of freedom. The novel is known for its satirical portrayal of the antebellum South, its critique of societal norms, and its exploration of moral and ethical dilemmas. It's also celebrated for its use of the Southern dialect and its depiction of Huck's inner conflict as he navigates the complexities of right and wrong. As the story progresses, Huck and Jim's friendship deepens, and Huck faces a moral crisis when he learns that Jim is going to be sold back into slavery. Huck decides to help Jim, even if it means defying the law and the moral code of the society he comes from. In the end, the novel concludes with Huck rejecting civilization and deciding to strike out on his own, stating that he will "light out for the Territory ahead of the rest" to avoid being "sivilized." This open-ended conclusion leaves readers to ponder the implications of Huck's decision and the broader commentary on societal norms and individual conscience that Mark Twain weaves throughout the narrative.