Books

London: Harper and Brothers, 1896. First edition. Cloth. Good. 8" by 5.5". None. A first edition, first impression of this very scarce Mark Twain novel. Only 1000 copies of this work were printed. A first edition, first impression. This work had a very small print run. In the publisher's original cloth binding.  "Tom Sawyer Abroad" is Twain"s noted parody adventure tale, a pastiche of Jules Verne"s popular tales. It features Twain"s notable characters Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn as they travel to Africa in a futuristic hot air balloon. Told from the perspective of Huck Finn, this work is regarded as the sequel to the Tom Sawyer series. A very bright copy of this novel internally. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Externally, very smart. Light fading to the spine. Front hinge is slightly strained but firm. Internally, generally firmly bound. Plate ate page 155 is detached but present. Small loss to bottom corner of page 25. Light chips to the edge of this…

"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.