The Tragedy of Pudd’nhead Wilson – Mark Twain – 1894 | First Edition, First State

The first edition of Mark Twain’s The Tragedy of Pudd’nhead Wilson tells the story of a woman who switches her enslaved child with her master’s white child, presenting themes of racism, determinism, and classism through Twain’s biting satire. The titular “Pudd’nhead,” a lawyer who the townsfolk misinterpret to be a fool, ironically uses logic and observation to intuit what others miss. The volume also includes Twain’s shorter comic piece, Those Extraordinary Twins, a story of conjoined twins with very different worldviews. Those Extraordinary Twins had originally been part of the larger Pudd’nhead tale, but Twain ultimately decided its comic nature was better served as a separate work. This first edition includes all first-state points: The title page is printed in red and black ink and is conjugate.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Tragedy of Pudd’nhead Wilson: and the Comedy Those Extraordinary Twins
• Author: Mark Twain
• Publisher: Hartford, Conn.: American Publishing Co.
• Edition: First edition, first state, 1894
  • The title page is printed in red and black ink
  • Title page is conjugate with the following leaf
  • Pages measure ~8 ¾” scant x 5 ¾”
  • Page bulk measures ~1⅛”
• Binding: Decorative cloth
• Format: Octavo (8vo), single volume
• Size: ~ 9in x 6.25in (23cm x 16cm)
• Collation: [4], 15-432 pp
• Illustrations: Numerous marginal illustrations throughout
• Contents Include:
  • Full text of The Tragedy of Pudd’nhead Wilson
  • Full text of Those Extraordinary Twins
• Reference(s): BAL 3442

Condition:

Very Good. Original decorative cloth is secure, with moderate rubbing to the front board and some fraying at the edges. Pages exhibit minor toning. All pages present.

Why Collect This?

• Meets first edition, first printing points
• Twain’s satirical and comical prose
• Social commentary on Pre-Civil War culture

Item Number: #31054