The Prince and the Pauper; A Tale for Young People of All Ages
Boston: James R. Osgood and Company, 1882. First edition. Hardcover. 8vo. [10], 11-411, [1] pp. Green publisher's cloth with black and gilt decorations on the front board and spine; all edges gilt. A few full-page illustrations at the beginning of the volume, facing the title page, with several full-page and in-text illustrations throughout the rest of the book. Ahearn APG 032g. Kevin Macdonnell, "The Primary First Editions of Mark Twain", Firsts Magazine, July 1998, 44-45. The first state of the first printing with all the textual errors. A subscription book that reached three printings before publication, this classic tale plays with the rags to riches trope. A young Prince Edward VI experiences the lives of English common-folk first-hand when he is ejected from his home in a case of mistaken identity. The happy ending makes this Twain novel a favorite among readers. Near Fine. Item #000011923
A few hints of wear to the extremities and one very discreet touch-up each to the crown and heel of the spine.
Price: $1,650.00