A young runaway boards a raft and sets off down the Mississippi, setting in motion a series of memorable adventures that have intrigued readers of all ages for over a century. Huck Finn and his loyal companion, the escaped slave Jim, form one of literature’s greatest friendships while encountering rough waters, a pair of con artists, and other lively incidents and characters. This streamlined, easy-to-read version skillfully captures all the flavor and color of the original narrative. 15 black-and-white illus. Abridged.