Books

New York: C. H. Webb, 1867. First Edition. Hardcover. Fair-good. 12mo, 198pp. Second state, with battered type on pp. 21, 66, and 198. Without the advertising leaf. A fair to good copy in the publisher's maroon cloth, stamped in gilt (and also with the frog stamped in blind on the rear board). Wear to spine ends and corners, bookplate removal to front paste-down, penciled contemporary owner's name and address on the front free endpaper (one Walter J. Bosley of--curiously--Elmira, NY, where Twain's family summered for many years, and where he was ultimately buried). Mild scattered foxing, but mostly clean internally. One signature quite sprung, but intact. Spine cocked. A well worn, yet sound and unsophisticated copy of Twain's first published book.

The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, also known as 'The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County' is an 1865 short story by Mark Twain. It was his first great success as a writer and brought him national attention. The story is set in a gold-mining camp in Calaveras County, California, and the plot revolves around a jumping frog contest. Twain's narrative follows the gambler Jim Smiley, who has a frog that can jump higher than any other frog. This humorous tale is also known for its colorful characters, including the narrator, who is drawn into the story by the loquacious storyteller, Simon Wheeler.

The first edition can be identified by the publisher Charles Henry Webb and the year 1865. It's also important to note any inscription or printing errors that are known to exist only in the first edition copies.