Clemens, Samuel L.

8vo (213 x 165mm.), first American edition, half-title on separate leaf, wood-engraved frontispiece and numerous text vignettes by True Williams and others, two leaves of publisher's advertisements at end, publisher's blue cloth blocked in black and gilt, collector's blue cloth chemise in blue morocco-backed slipcase, hinges carefully restored, some light intermittent soiling to a few pages, old ownership stamps to front blanks, spine lightly faded, minor soiling along bottom edge of lower cover.

BAL 3369; Grolier, American 79; Lilly/Karanovich 90

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A bright copy of the first American edition, issued some six months after Chatto and Windus's London edition. First printing, with collation points: printed on wove paper, versos of half-title and preface blank.

Clemens had started his story in the summer of 1874 with no clear idea as to how it would proceed or who would be reading it. By the following summer, he had decided not to extend his hero's adventures beyond boyhood and still intended the book for the adult market. In November of that year, however, he wrote to his publisher, William Dean Howells, that "Mrs. Clemens decides with you that the book should issue as a book for boys, pure and simple - and so do I. It is surely the correct idea".