Books

Hartford, Conn: The American Publishing Company, 1876. First edition. Near Fine. First printing. Original blue cloth, decoratively stamped and lettered in gilt and black, peach coated endpapers, all edges gilt. Frontispiece and numerous wood-engraved text illustrations by True Williams and others, 4-page publisher's advertisements at end, versos of half-title and recto of preface blank. Light wear to spine ends and corners, few minor smudges to rear cover, inner joints with subtle repairs, old tape repairs (now removed) to pp. 33-34 with faint offsetting to facing pages, otherwise clean. A bright and sharp copy. Housed in a custom clamshell case. One of the classic American novels, Twain’s bildungsroman follows the adventures of Tom Sawyer – and his friend Huck Finn -- in St. Petersburg, Missouri. Told with Twain’s characteristic and unmatchable wit and humor, it would become his best-selling book and its sequel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, is arguably the greatest…

"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.

True first editions can be identified by the presence of certain typos that were corrected in later printings, and by the binding, which should be a blue cloth with gold and black stamping.