The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Twain, Mark - 1876

American Publishing Co., 1876. First edition. first issue. Hardcover. Good/No Jacket. First edition, first issue on wove paper, and frontis illustration blank on the verso. (this copy lacks the half title page, and two of the three blank pages at front). An expertly repaired copy, in original cloth with restoration to spine ends and edges. Original salmon endpapers. Charming, early gift inscription reminiscent of Twain's famous preface: "My plan has been to try to pleasantly remind adults of what they once were themselves, and of how they felt and thought and talked, and what queer enterprises they sometimes engaged in." This book's inscription expresses a similar sentiment: "My Dear Father: Read - and recall the many 'Tom Sawyer' scrapes of yourself - and at a later date those of your sons / Fred G. Sanborn / San Francisco / January 1877" Spotting to several pages throughout (see pictures for examples); several tears, without loss, expertly closed. Textblock has been rebacked and resewn where needed. A much loved and much read copy, professionally repaired. Other than the missing half title pages, text complete. A rare first edition, first issue of the American classic, with an endearing early gift inscription.