Which book is this?

[dtrpath27]

"He had discovered a great law of human action, without knowing it -- namely, that in order to make a man or a boy covet a thing, it is only necessary to make the thing difficult to obtain."

[Vimes]

What genre is it?

[dtrpath27]

Classic children's literature, but appropriate and entertaining for adults.

[dtrpath27]

Prolific American author, but not generally regarded as a children's author.

[Vimes]

Umm, when was it published?

[CuriousGeorgette]

Hmmm thinking .... not generally regarded as a children's author ... but prolific ... and male .... thinking .... not Charles Fenimoore Cooper, not E.B. White, possibly Mark Twain.

[dtrpath27]

 Hot, hot, hot!  

[frankie]

I was going to say Needful Things by Stephen King but then read on

[dtrpath27]

No, not King.    Another hint:  

 

This is from a very popular (maybe just within the U.S.?) American classic.  Its equally popular sequel was deemed "trash and suitable only for the slums." 

 

Eta:  Sorry Vimes!  Missed your post.  1800's.

 

My next hint is a clincher!  

Edited March 29, 2014 by dtrpath27

[CuriousGeorgette]

tom sawyer or huckleberry finn

[dtrpath27]

Yes, now which? It has to do with the painting of a certain picket fence.

[Sara.]

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer?

[Sara.]

tom sawyer or huckleberry finn

I´m sorry I didn´t read the other posts so I didn´t see you answered. :/

[CuriousGeorgette]

no worries ... I was still guessing. but you got it so go ahead and find a quote

[Sara.]

 First I have to find something I haven´t posted already. I´ll get back soon.  

[Sara.]

˝Nevertheless, in this mansion of gloom I now proposed to myself a sojourn of some weeks. Its proprietor, ******** *****, had been one of my boon companions in boyhood; but many years had elapsed since our last meeting.˝ Here it is.

[dtrpath27]

Classic literature?

[Sara.]

Hmmm, I´m not sure. How do you define a classic? (I saw people define it differently, that is why I´m asking.)

[dtrpath27]

I'll rephrase...what genre?

[Sara.]

Horror/Gothic

[dtrpath27]

What time period?

[Weave]

Is it 'The Fall of the House of Usher' by Edgar Allan Poe?

[dtrpath27]

If so, I would count Poe as classic literature.  

[Sara.]

Yes it is! I´m sorry I didn´t have the time to log on. 

 

If so, I would count Poe as classic literature.  

I would as well but I know some people who don´t agree

[Weave]

Thanks Sara

 

Here goes ~

 

“Why should I? I've done nothing to be ashamed of. I am not ashamed - I am only beaten”