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The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrims' Progress
$450.00
Twain, Mark (Samuel L. Clemens)
Hartford, Conn.: American Publishing Company; H. H. Bancroft and Company, San Francisco, 1869.
First edition, first issue, 1869, with 234 illustrations. Mark Twain's celebrated account of the 1867 Quaker City excursion to Europe and the Holy Land. The title page identifies the work as containing "Two Hundred and Thirty-Four Illustrations" and notes that it was issued by subscription rather than sold through ordinary bookstores. Copyright page present.
This copy conforms to the true first-issue state, retaining the characteristic first-issue points including the unnumbered contents, the absence of the Napoleon III portrait on p. 129, and the "Chapter XLI" misnumbering on p. 643. The terminal advertisements are also present, including the advertisement for The Personal History of Ulysses S. Grant.
Attractive contemporary full-leather binding, with raised bands and two black leather spine labels lettered in gilt, "THE INNOCENTS ABROAD" and "MARK TWAIN / ILLUSTRATED." The binding has a warm, naturally aged patina, with rubbing and surface wear consistent with its age.
Professionally conserved and structurally restored. The original leather spine and labels have been retained and reattached over a new hollowback spine, preserving the period binding while providing a sound, stable structure. The original plain brown endpapers have been replaced with high-quality archival natural paper. The text block is solid and suitable for regular handling.
Internally, with natural toning and scattered foxing and spotting, with some additional discoloration and minor handling wear to the title page and surrounding leaves. Illustrated list present.
An especially appealing first-issue copy of one of Twain's most important and successful works, combining desirable early issue points, a handsome contemporary leather binding, and thoughtful modern conservation.
Condition: Good/Very Good. Contemporary full leather with rubbing and scuffing; professionally conserved and structurally restored as described above. Scattered foxing, spotting, and age-toning internally. Please see photographs for further details.