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First US edition. Presentation copy, inscribed by the publishers to Daniel Whitford, Twain's lawyer: "To Daniel Whitford, with regards of the publisher, Chas. L. Webster. New York, February 21st, 1885." Daniel Whitford, attorney for New York firm Alexander & Green, acted for Webster & Company and was also retained by Twain several times. He acted for Twain in the highly publicized lawsuit over the dramatization of the Prince and the Pauper by Abby Sage Richardson. In 1890, Twain and the producer, Daniel Frohman, were sued by Edward H. House, who claimed that Richardson's adaptation was plagiarized from House's dramatization of the novel, written for Twain years before. Frohman paid House from Twain's royalties to prevent the closure of the play; in turn, Twain sued Frohman for his royalties (amounting to five or six thousand dollars) in 1894. Much bibliographical confusion has been generated by Huckleberry Finn. In fact, only three substantive changes were introduced after the first printing: at p. 13 the erroneous page reference "88" was changed to "87"; at p. 57 the misprint "with the was" was corrected to "with the saw"; and at p. 9 the misprint "Decided" was corrected to "Decides". This copy has all these in first state. The frontispiece was printed separately, inserted at random, and has no relation to the order of the printed sheets. At some stage it was realized that the Uncle Silas illustration on page 283 had been mischievously tampered with and was cancelled. In this copy, the illustration is in second state. Copies in the original half morocco binding are the least often met with. Less than two weeks before publication, the publisher Webster announced that he was binding 20,000 copies in cloth, another 2,500 in sheep, and 500 copies in half morocco. Webster's own copy, also half morocco, was dated by him as having been received from the binder on 26 November 1884. READ MORE Octavo (214 x 164 mm). Publisher's half morocco, marbled edges, gilt rules to covers, spine lettered gilt with gilt decorated compartments, marbled endpapers. Photogravure portrait frontispiece (second state, with the imprint of the Heliotype Printing Company and with "Karl Gerhardt, Sc." added to the finished edge of the shoulder), illustrated throughout with 173 text illustrations after E. W. Kemble. Spine sunned, extremities and tips worn, covers a little scuffed, some foxing and marks to contents. An excellent copy. .

"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.