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Note on book edition

Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2010 1:59 pm
by Dexter
The information and reviews on Amazon that are specific to the particular edition are not accurate, they lump them all together. And a book like this has many different editions. (The one that is linked on the forum now only has used copies available.)

I'm picking up this edition, mainly because it's a nice-looking paperback series
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/037575 ... PDKIKX0DER

For some motivation, here is H.L. Mencken:
I believe that 'Huckleberry Finn' is one of the great masterpieces of the world, that it is the full equal of 'Don Quixote' and 'Robinson Crusoe,' that it is vastly better than Gil Blas, 'Tristram Shandy,' 'Nicholas Nickleby' or 'Tom Jones.' I believe that it will be read by human beings of all ages, not as a solemn duty but for the honest love of it, and over and over again, long after every book written in American between the years 1800 and 1860, with perhaps three exceptions, has disappeared entirely save as a classroom fossil.

Re: Note on book edition

Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2010 6:14 pm
by Suzanne
I agree Dexter, I like the edition you have found better. We will see about changing the image.

Since we do not have the problems that present themselves when choosing a novel that needs translation, I don't expect any difficulties with HF. The current image is for an un revised edition, however, if only used copies are available, it may be wise to select another image, thank you for providing an alternative.

It is getting harder and harder to find paper editions of novels described on Amazon. Oftentimes, the electronic version, audio or revised editions are listed. The copy that I have is the Barnes and Noble classics edition. I feel that as long as members choose an un revised version of HF, I don't think it really matters what edition is chosen. The only difference will be the introductions. Please tell me if you think I am mistaken. And thanks again for bringing attention to an alternative edition.

Re: Note on book edition

Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2010 7:30 pm
by DWill
The new Riverside edition available from Amazon has created controversy by inserting a chapter Twain had originally included in HF, and by curtailing the Tom Sawyer-provoked hijinks that close the book. The deleted chapter became part of Life on the Mississippi.

Hemingway also considered HF the best American novel, but hated the ending, where Tom Sawyer comes in and trivializes the moral drama of the story. Twain himself was defensive about readers thinking he had aimed to write about the tragedy of slavery. In the preface, he says he wants anyone shot who tries to find a moral in the book.

Re: Note on book edition

Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2010 7:39 pm
by Suzanne
DWill wrote:The new Riverside edition available from Amazon has created controversy by inserting a chapter Twain had originally included in HF, and by curtailing the Tom Sawyer-provoked hijinks that close the book. The deleted chapter became part of Life on the Mississippi.
I read about this one too. This is what I mean about "revised" editions. I see the word "revised" and I just want to run away in fear. I don't like a whole lot of tinkering with classics.

Hey, would either you, DWill, or Dexter like to be the discussion leader for HF?

:mbounce:

Re: Note on book edition

Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 2:30 pm
by geo
Library of America has a beautiful edition that contains Tom Sawyer, Life on the Mississippi, Huckleberry Finn, Pudd'nhead Wilson. The pages are tissue thin, but the text is crisp and clear.

http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Twain-Missis ... 790&sr=1-9

Just an added note. The Library of America offers the definitive editions for many American authors. The company got its start with seed money from the National Endowment of Arts. Your tax dollars at work!

Re: Note on book edition

Posted: Sun Dec 19, 2010 3:30 pm
by Chris OConnor
I've done as you guys have suggested and changed the image and links. :)

Now who wants the Book Discussion Leader glow-in-the-dark helmet?