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

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. 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 and is without restoration. The gilt embellished brown cloth cover is clean and in excellent shape, but is slightly cocked at the spine.. The corners and spine ends show very little wear. Internally, there are no major marks, underlining, or highlighting. The endpapers are very clean and the hinges are intact. This book was printed on acidic paper and like most first edition 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: 599.99 USD

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

End Time: 2024-09-18T22:21:06.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD