Books

New York: Charles L. Webster and Co., 1885. First edition, earliest state of the cloth issue. Rebound in lovely full-leather binding by Bayntun-Riviere with portions of original covers and spine bound in at rear. First state points from various sources present in this copy are as follow: title page and page 283 cancels; frontispiece portrait with cloth under bust visible and "Heliotype" imprint; p.(9) "Decided" in chapter heading for chapter six; p.(13) "Him and another man" listed incorrectly at page 88; page 57, line 11 up "...with the was..."; page 59, line 7 up last word in sentence "le" and line 6 up "d" in "would" in broken type with top of stem pointing to left; page 143 "l" missing in "Col" in illustration at top line of text, and line 7 with "b" in "body" broken. 8vo full green leather with all edges tooled in gilt, ornately gilt-tooled inner dentelles on leather turn-ins, covers boarded in gilt; five gilt-tooled raised spine bands with 3 gilt…

"The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain is a timeless novel set in the fictional town of St. Petersburg, inspired by Twain's own experiences growing up in Hannibal, Missouri. The story follows the mischievous and imaginative young protagonist, Tom Sawyer, as he navigates the trials and triumphs of boyhood in the mid-1800s. Tom, a clever and adventurous boy, lives with his Aunt Polly, a kind-hearted but stern woman who tries to instill discipline in him. However, Tom's free spirit often leads him into mischief. Alongside his friends, the rebellious Huckleberry Finn and the charming Becky Thatcher, Tom finds himself embroiled in various adventures. The narrative unfolds with Tom cleverly avoiding punishment for his misdeeds, such as tricking his friends into whitewashing a fence for him or sneaking out at night to play pirates on a deserted island. His antics, including witnessing a murder, exploring caves, and hunting for treasure, keep the story vibrant and engaging. Throughout the novel, Twain vividly portrays the simplicity and joys of childhood, capturing the essence of growing up in a small town where everyday life is filled with fun, imagination, and a longing for freedom. From attending school to navigating romantic feelings for Becky Thatcher, Tom's experiences resonate with readers of all ages. The climax of the story revolves around Tom and Huck's discovery of stolen treasure, leading to a series of suspenseful events that eventually uncover the true identity of the villainous Injun Joe. The novel is not just a tale of adventure but also delves into themes of friendship, bravery, and the moral growth of its characters. As the story concludes, Tom emerges as a hero, showcasing his courage by revealing the truth about the murder and securing justice. Twain's portrayal of the innocence and exuberance of childhood, combined with his sharp social commentary and humor, has solidified "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" as a classic in American literature, beloved by readers worldwide for its timeless charm and rich storytelling.