Books

Boston: Thayer and Eldridge, 1860-61 (spurious). Pirated issue of the Thayer and Eldridge edition. Illustrated with and engraved frontispiece portrait of Walt Whitman at an early age. 8vo, publisher's original maroon cloth lettered in gilt on spine, title and pictorial decorations in blind on both covers. iv, 456 pp. An essentially fine copy, very well preserved, the binding clean and strong, the hinges in excellent order, the text-block essentially as pristine and unread, previous owner's name stamped inside. A VERY HANDSOME COPY OF THE WORTHINGTON REISSUE OF THE BOSTON EDITION OF 1860-61. The first Boston printing was the first general trade published issuance of LEAVES OF GRASS. The edition included 122 new poems and two new sections. This is an early reissue of one of the most important editions of this great American literary work which remains attainable. Whitman began this edition with "Proto-Leaf"["Starting from Paumanok"] a lovely apologia for his work. And…

"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.