Books

Octavo, 382pp., illustrated. "Suppressed" edition--the first printing of the seventh edition--and one of just 1,010 copies printed. Second state of title page, as usual, with "1881-82" at the imprint. An unusually fresh, clean copy, about fine, in the publisher's mustard cloth, stamped in gilt. Spine extremely bright, and the inner hinges and contents crisp and fresh. A contemporary handmade dust jacket is retained, though the majority of the front panel and the entirety of the front flap are long gone. Still, the remnant has done a marvelous job of protecting the book over the past century and a half. Contemporary private library label to the front free endpaper, with an inked accession date of 1881. A penciled inscription on the first blank reads: "A book reported [sic] from the library. See pages 88-89." The writer probably meant to write "removed." The notation is highly relevant, as the pages in question were the reason that Osgood ceased publication immediately. Whitman's poem "A Woman Waits for Me" appears on those pages, and its contents are highly sensual and suggestive. Osgood, receiving word from the Massachusetts District Attorney that the book was obscene and must be suppressed, insisted that Whitman remove the poem, which the latter refused to do. Reaching an impasse, Osgood sold the rights and the plates back to Whitman, who brought it to David McKay, who would publish it in a nearly identical binding in 1883, and reprinted it several times during the decade. Whitman's magnum opus was famously revised and rewritten throughout the author's life, so the first printing of each edition has bibliographical significance. This suppressed first printing of the seventh edition is genuinely rare in this condition, and desirable thus. BAL 21418; Myerson A 2.7.81.

"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.