Most of the adventures in this chronicle actually happened. A couple were from my personal experience, while the others were experienced by various classmates of mine from school. A boy I knew served as inspiration for describing Huck Finn, while I created Tom Sawyer by reconstructing three boys I knew. In other words, I did what architects call composite work.

The superstitions that abound in this narrative were quite common among children and slaves in the western states of America during the time this story takes place - so you shouldn't be surprised by them.

In writing this book, my main aim was to entertain children - boys and girls - but I hope that adults will find it just as enjoyable, as it will remind them of how they thought, how they acted, and the incredible situations they sometimes found themselves in, along with their childhood carefree spirit...