The novel's preeminence derives from its wonderfully imaginative re-creation of boyhood adventures along the mighty Mississippi River, its inspired characterization, the author's remarkable ear for dialogue, and the book's understated development of serious underlying themes: "natural" man versus "civilized" society, the evils of slavery, the innate value and dignity of human beings, the stultifying effects of convention, and other topics. But most of all, ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN is a wonderful story --- filled with high adventure and unforgettable characters (including the great river itself) --- that no one who has read it will ever forget.