The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - First Edition

I have a few highly desireable books but clearly lack any expertise in the finer points of collecting. I acquired a first edition, first state Huckleberry Finn. The book has all of the relevant issue points that identify it as such. To no surprise, while the 132 year old book is in pretty good shape, it is far from perfect. I did invest in a custom made clam shell for preservation.

When is it worth restoring a book of this caliber? The cover tear is of specific interest.

 

Take a look at these, and check the points these sellers specify.
https://www.biblio.com/the-adventures-of-huckleberry-by-twain-mark/work/1266

Right off the cuff, the cover is different.

Back then, editions and printing records certainly weren't included by the publisher. From the site above, one seller says the book was originally published in 1884 in London and Montreal, but wasn't published in the U.S. until 1885. This might have been issued 20 years later with the same copyright info, if no change had occurred in the meantime.

Interesting references to a suppressed illustration.
(edit) I see the illustration you show is the corrected version.
http://mentalfloss.com/article/31107/crudely-drawn-penis-almost-derailed-huckleberry-finn

Check pg 57 for the phrase "with the saw". If it's there, it's not a first.

 

Nothing wrong with the cover or publisher for 1st American edition points. There's plenty of info out there to easily verify a true 1st. I'm sure he's done his research, hence him asking about restoration and not about verification.

https://www.raptisrarebooks.com/aut...-huckleberry-finn-first-edition-issue-points/

 

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This is the first american edition, published in 1885 (hence the 132 years that I referenced)



I did not want to list all the relevant issue considerations but since you brought it up...please note that on line 6 of the attached photo it states "with the was", not "with the saw" as "Mark Twain" intended.

I previously included the draped bust on the frontice piece to provide some evidence that this is indeed first state. I am not asking for an opinion on this because prior to purchase, my research checked every single one of these relevant considerations. Baumann Rare Books provides an excellent summary of the first printings.

https://www.baumanrarebooks.com/rare-books/twain-mark/adventures-of-huckleberry-finn/101782.aspx


I am only seeking some guidance on the impact of minor restoration on value.

 

That's good!

Unless the cover is in danger of detaching, it's probably best to leave well enough alone. Maybe you can get some quotes on restoration before you decide. Maybe you can seek an appraisal for insurance purposes and ask at the same time if a restoration is called for. An formal, written appraisal will cost some money, but considering the potential value, it may be worth it.

 

Good idea! I tried a couple of indirect approaches. A major dealer offered me $2000 and I took it to an antiques roadshow where it was appraised at $8000 after which I offered to sell it to him! Getting an answer to my restoration question though was not so easy. Baumann refused to respond to my inquiry once I decided against selling. The spline is very secure so I am leaning, as you are, against restoring the tear. I just thought that there may be someone in the group with expertise in this space. Perhaps, I should try an antique book forum.

Thanks for the esteemed input. I was trying to avoid spending any extra $ but to your point, it may worth it.

 

The old ebay book sellers board used to be very good. When the ebay boards were dissolving, the book sellers started their own site and moved on. Doesn't look like it is as active as the ebay boards were. You might try posting and see if you get any answer.
You'll have to register.

http://www.bookthink.com/php3.10/index.php

 

If you're this interested in books it may be worth looking into the magazine FIRSTS.