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Mark Twain. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Hartford: The American Publishing Company, 1887.
An early American Publishing Company edition of Twain’s enduring classic, issued eleven years after the first American edition. Illustrated throughout with the familiar engravings associated with the work, including the frontispiece and numerous illustrations within the text. Title page dated 1887; copyright page retains the original 1875 copyright notice of Samuel L. Clemens.
This copy appears to have been rebound in plain black cloth, replacing the more decorative publisher’s binding ordinarily encountered on copies of this period. Of additional interest is a contemporary presentation inscription on the front endpaper, “Sidney S. Wilson / from / Willie / Dec. 23, 1888,” providing attractive 19th-century provenance shortly after publication.
Binding considerably worn, with rubbing and soiling to cloth, losses and fraying at spine ends, exposed board at corners and lower spine, and wear along extremities. Rear inner hinge cracked/open with binding structure exposed; additional general wear consistent with age and use. Text block remains presentable, with scattered spotting, toning, and occasional marks. Illustrated leaves remain notably attractive.
Despite the compromised later binding, an appealing 1887 American edition of one of the foundational works of American literature, retaining its period illustrations and an 1888 presentation inscription.
