1883 MARK TWAIN LIFE ON THE MISSISSIPPI Bookpa's Leather w/ Clamshell Box

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. This book has been rebound into a new leather binding that features hand-carved and colored inlay. It also comes in a similar leather clamshell box. All leather carving and coloring was done by me. Designs were taken from the original artwork in the book which were done many years ago by E. H. Garrett, Frank Merrill and John J. Harley 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 8 3/4 x 6 inches unique artist designed leather bound hardcover with original 1883 First Edition Mark Twain text block CONDITION: This hard-cover book is in fine condition with a custom slip-case. The book has been rebound in full navy cowhide that has leather inlays that are hand-carved, dyed, tooled and colored by me—Bookpa. The interior is completely original with all pages and illustrations present. The book has been bound with new marbled paper (made by me) endpapers. The book is very old but is in remarkable condition considering that it is 130+ years old. The paper shows age toning but is clean overall. The paper shows age toning—as is the case with nearly all examples of this book because early pulp paper was used. This book may have been in a library at one time, although there are no stamps, numbers, pockets, etc., the margins have been cut down about 1/4” in length and width which was a common practice with library books. The interior is otherwise mostly clean with no foxing, major grubbiness or staining. There are a few smudges or finger-marks. I have pictures of the worst. There is a name and date (1887) written on the first blank endpaper. Binding and hinges are excellent as the book was rebound using traditional methods and non-acidic materials. The book is capable of being read using proper care if you so desire. The box is hand-made with heavy red leather with a hand-carved and stamped, colored leather inlay on the front or top panel. The interior of the box is covered with linen. 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: 1099.99 USD

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

End Time: 2025-02-12T21:33:39.000Z

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