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Sketches: New and Old

Sketches: New and Old

$299.99 USD
$299.99 USD
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Condition: Very Good

Condition Notes: This second state copy, p.119 footnote does not repeat on p. 120 and "From Hospital Days" does not appear on page 299 as stated in the contents page. Cover shows minor shelf wear with some fraying at the foot of spine. Previous owners name written in pencil found on front endpage. Pages are clean and in excellent shape. Binding is tight and firm. An overall beautiful copy.

Author(s): Mark Twain
Edition: 1st Edition

Print: 2nd State

Publication year: 1875

Binding: Hardcover

Language: English

Publisher: The American Publishing Company

ISBN:

Published in late 1875 under the formal title Mark Twain's Sketches, New and Old, this monumental humor compilation gathers sixty-three of the author's earliest short stories, newspaper satires, travel vignettes, and outrageous character profiles written between 1863 and 1875. Sold exclusively via door-to-door subscription, the text acts as a vital historical archive documenting the birth of traditional Western realism and vernacular wit. The chapters track classic sketches like The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, a detailed account of trying to get a broken pocket watch properly repaired by corrupt jewelers, and sharp critiques of small-town courtrooms, pretentious journalists, and systemic government bureaucracy. Richly illustrated with dozens of comic woodblock engravings by artist True Williams, this large square octavo volume functions as an indispensable reference tool capturing the unvarnished skepticism and foundational folk realism that defined early American literature.

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Book Condition Scale

  • Like New

    This book is in excellent condition and appears to have been read only once. The pages are clean and unmarked, with no creases or stains. The binding remains firm and tight. There may be minimal signs of shelf wear on the cover or dust jacket, but overall, the book looks and feels nearly new.

  • Very Good

    This book has been read but remains in great condition. It does not look new, yet there is no obvious damage to the cover. Wear and tear are minimal. The pages are clean, free of highlighting or notes, though it may contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Good

    This book shows moderate to heavy signs of wear that can include creases, stains or tears. The cover may have minimal damage, and the binding remains intact with slight wear. The majority of pages are undamaged, though there may be some highlighting, underlining, or notes. It may also contain identifying marks from a previous owner or bookstore.

  • Acceptable

    This book shows significant wear, which may include tears, large stains, creases, loose pages, and heavy notes, underlining, or highlighting. The binding may be loose but remains intact. While it has noticeable imperfections, it is still a complete and readable copy. Any major defects will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • As Is

    This book is visibly worn and may be heavily soiled, scuffed, stained, or spotted. It may have loose joints, hinges, or pages, and some text or pages may be missing. Large tears and other significant defects may be present. While still a readable copy, it shows substantial signs of use. Any major flaws will be clearly noted in the listing.

  • Dust Jacket Grading

    (A) Excellent
    The dust jacket is in excellent condition, may show the slightest signs of shelf wear, if any.

    (B) Good
    Shows minor shelf wear, usually along edges and may have a few light stains.

    (C) Fair
    Displays moderate shelf wear, including some noticeable small tears, creasing and/or stains.

    (D) Poor
    Contains large tears, several creases, and/or heavy staining.

    (F) As Is
    Shows significant wear and tear. Majority of dust jacket is torn or missing. May contain heavy staining.