Books

Although the green cloth bindings for the 1855 first edition of Leaves of Grass are familiar, the rare paper wrappers are little known. This set survived only because Whitman preserved them until his death in 1892. According to the bookbinder’s records, 795 copies were bound; Whitman reported that 800 were printed. The first 200 were bound in June 1855 in binding A (green cloth with extra gilt stamping and all edges gilt). In December 1855 to January 1856, another 262 copies were bound in binding B (green cloth with less ornate stamping), and at this same time another 150 copies were bound in binding C (paper wrappers). Almost all examples in the fragile wrappers were lost or rebound, with only a handful of copies existing in institutions. A few institutions (Princeton, Duke) owned examples of the unused wrappers, as the present example. Whitman evidently preserved these wrappers for decades, leaving them to be discovered by his literary executor Richard Maurice Bucke. Several examples were sold at the Bucke sale in 1936. These wrappers were probably later trimmed by Whitman for use as writing paper (Joel Myerson, Walt Whitman: A Descriptive Bibliography, p. 19.). Conjugate front and back salmon wrappers, 7 7/8 x 9 7/8 in. Excellent condition.

"Leaves of Grass" by Walt Whitman, first self-published in 1855 and revised and expanded in subsequent editions throughout Whitman's life, is a groundbreaking collection of poems that revolutionized American poetry and literary form. At its core, "Leaves of Grass" is a celebration of life, individuality, democracy, and the vastness of the American experience. Comprised of numerous poems, including the iconic "Song of Myself," this collection embodies Whitman's belief in the essential unity of all things and his celebration of the human body and spirit. Whitman's poetry rejects traditional rhyme and meter, opting instead for free verse and a more colloquial, conversational style. His lines often have a musical, rhythmic quality that reflects the ebbs and flows of life itself. The collection is a reflection of Whitman's exuberance for life, exploring themes of nature, love, spirituality, and the human condition. "Song of Myself," perhaps the most famous poem within "Leaves of Grass," is an expansive and inclusive work that encapsulates Whitman's philosophy of the interconnectedness of all people and the celebration of individual identity. It embraces the diversity of America, celebrating people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and experiences. Throughout the collection, Whitman embraces the body and soul, viewing them as interconnected and essential parts of humanity. He celebrates the physical world, the senses, and the human form without reservation, emphasizing the beauty and significance of each individual. Moreover, "Leaves of Grass" evolves over time, with Whitman adding new poems and revising existing ones in later editions. The work serves as a testament to Whitman's evolving perspectives on life, society, and the human experience. Whitman's bold and unapologetic portrayal of the self and the world marked a departure from conventional poetry of his time. His work was controversial for its explicitness and its celebration of the human body and sexuality. However, it also heralded a new era in American literature, influencing generations of poets and writers and leaving a lasting impact on the trajectory of poetic expression and American identity. Through "Leaves of Grass," Whitman aimed to capture the essence of America and the spirit of its people in all their complexity and diversity.