10 December 1884: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is first published

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain was first published in the UK on 10 December 1884, by Chatto & Windus, and in the USA on 18 February 1885, by Charles L. Webster and Company. These publication dates highlight the novel’s transatlantic reach and its immediate impact on both British and American literary landscapes.

Set during the 1830s–40s, the book follows the escapades of a young boy named Huckleberry “Huck” Finn who flees from his abusive father by faking his own death. As he travels down the Mississippi River on a raft, Huck encounters Jim, an enslaved man escaping from bondage. Together, they embark on a journey fraught with danger and moral dilemmas, meeting a variety of characters, including con men like the Duke and the King. Huck grapples with his conscience and societal expectations, ultimately deciding to help Jim seek freedom, even if it means “going to hell.” Their journey is filled with a series of adventures that question the social standards of the time, particularly around issues of race and identity.

Twain’s novel is famous for its vivid depiction of life in the South before the Civil War, and the use of regional dialects lends authenticity. It is famous for its exploration of themes such as freedom, friendship, and moral development. Huck’s growing relationship with Jim is central to the story, as he grapples with the ingrained racism in his upbringing while coming to recognise Jim’s humanity. Despite its controversial use of racial language and stereotypes, which have sparked extensive debate over the years, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remains an important work because of its powerful social commentary and innovative narrative style.