Books

New York: C.H. Webb, 1867. CONDITION: Good, re-backed with original spine laid down, loss to head and foot of original spine, 1960s gift inscription in ink on preliminary leaf. First edition, first printing. With the uncommon placement of the gilt frog in the center of the front cover, not the lower left corner. BAL 3310.

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.