MARK TWAIN 1883 First Edition LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI VG Binding Restored

Description: LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI Written by Mark Twain and published by James R. Osgood and Company, Boston; copyright 1883. This is the first edition; second state with 1883 on the title page and without “Twain in flames” (this image disturbed Twain’s wife Olivia) on page 441, and with St. Louis Hotel corrected to St. Charles Hotel on page 443. Like most of Twain’s book’s published in the 19th century, this book is profusely illustrated with 316 illustrations. The illustrations comprise an integral part of the book’s humor. I have restored many old books like this one and have received many compliments from their buyers over the years. Never a negative comment or return, but I do guarantee satisfaction. I accept returns for any reason if notified within 30 days of receipt of the item. The item must be returned in the same condition as when shipped. Please look carefully at my high resolution, close up (almost microscopic) pictures. I try my best to make sure I show you all major issues or flaws. Feel free to contact me with any questions. This book will come with a new, clear archival polyester cover for the protection of your investment. If you wish to have a handmade, heavy duty, leather-lined slipcover or a clamshell box for this book (I have examples of these that can be seen in my listings for my carved leather bindings) please contact me for information and pricing. LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI is a memoir by Mark Twain, of his days as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River before the American Civil War, and also a travel book, recounting his trip along the Mississippi many years after the Civil War. Twain once remarked that he considered this book his masterpiece, and that it would outlive his other works and endure as a classic. The book begins with a brief history of the river from its discovery by Hernando de Soto in 1542. It continues with anecdotes of Twain's training as a steamboat pilot, as the 'cub' of an experienced pilot. He describes, with great affection, the science of navigating the ever-changing Mississippi River in a section that was first published in 1876, entitled "Old Times on the Mississippi". In the second half, Twain narrates his trip many years later on a steamboat from St. Louis to New Orleans. He describes the competition from railroads, and the new, large cities, and adds his observations on greed, gullibility, tragedy, and bad architecture. He also tells some stories that are most likely tall tales. Simultaneously published in 1883 in the United States and Great Britain, it is said to be the first book submitted to a publisher as a typewritten manuscript. DESCRIPTION: 624 pages 9 x 6 1/2 inches First Edition, hardcover CONDITION: This book is in very good condition with significant restoration. The gilt embellished brown cloth cover is clean and in excellent shape, but has had some restoration work done on the corners and spine ends. The cloth of the front joint was split about half way up, but is not stabilized. The textblock has been rebound into the cover using new cords and strong cloth spine reinforcing. The original spine caps were reused. The original endpapers have been retained and reset. Authentic and archival materials have been used throughout--non acidic glues and pastes, nonacidic Japanese papers for reinforcing, etc. There are no major marks, underlining, or highlighting. There is the original publisher’s agent stamp on the front pastedown and the original owner’s name on the front endpaper as you can see in the pictures. The hinges have been repaired with matching old, gray paper, but it looks a little rough. The rest of the book is very clean. This book was printed on acidic paper and like most Life On the Mississippi's have somewhat brittle paper. The paper in this copy, though a bit toned with age as in all Twain first editions, is less tanned and brittle than average. All pages and illustrations are present. BECAUSE MEDIA RATE SHIPPING IS FREE ON THE BOOKS I SELL, COMBINE THIS WITH OTHER ITEMS FROM MY EBAY STORE. I AM AN EXPERIENCED EBAY SELLER (23+ YEARS) AND SHIPPER WITH 100% (always!--since 1997!) FEEDBACK RATING. ALL ITEMS ARE CAREFULLY AND SECURELY PACKED TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE DANGER OF CRUSHING AND OR WATER/MOISTURE DAMAGE. ALL BOOKS ARE SHIPPED IN STURDY BOXES WITH TRACKING AND DELIVERY CONFIRMATION INCLUDED. I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE ALL OF THE BOOKS, AUTOGRAPHS AND SIGNATURES ON BOOKS I SELL.

Price: 499.99 USD

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

End Time: 2024-11-07T18:12:23.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD