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Antique 1883 first American edition, later state/issue of Mark Twain’s classic Life on the Mississippi, published in Boston by James R. Osgood and Company. The title page states “With More Than 300 Illustrations” and “Sold by Subscription Only.”
This copy does not contain the Twain-in-flames illustration on page 441, and the illustration on page 443 is captioned “The St. Charles Hotel,” identifying it as a later state of the 1883 first American edition.
Bound in the original publisher’s decorated brown cloth with elaborate black stamped designs and beautiful gilt pictorial scenes on the front cover and spine. The gilt remains bright and visually impressive. The cloth boards retain strong color and decoration, with relatively minor exterior wear considering the book’s age.
The principal condition issue is that both the front and rear interior hinges are cracked, with binding material exposed. Both boards remain attached but are beginning to separate and should be handled carefully. The illustrated frontispiece immediately preceding the title page is loose at the top. The sewn text block otherwise appears intact and solid.
Aside from the cracked hinges and partially loose frontispiece, the book is in very good condition for its age. The interior is clean and well preserved, with no owner’s name, writing, highlighting, or other annotations observed. Pages show normal age toning but remain attractive and readable. The covers and spine display exceptionally attractive original gilt decoration.
No dust jacket, as issued. Please examine all photographs carefully, particularly the hinge photographs, for the exact condition.
A handsome and collectible original 1883 edition of one of Mark Twain’s most important works, retaining its desirable original pictorial cloth binding.
Seller’s condition note
Both interior hinges are cracked and the boards are beginning to separate, although they remain attached. The illustrated frontispiece is loose at the top. The sewn text block otherwise appears solid and intact. Apart from these binding defects, the book is in very good condition, with clean pages, no owner writing, and beautiful bright original gilt decoration. Please see all photographs.
