Books

Brooklyn, New York: [Printed for the author], 1855. First edition, second state of copyright notice as usual, second state of p. iv. Folio. Engraved frontispiece portrait of Whitman with tissue guard (first state printed on heavy paper). xii, [13]-95, [1] pp. Publisher's green cloth (Myerson binding A), covers and spine stamped in gilt with decorative title, covers with gilt triple-rule border, stamped all over in blind with floral ornaments, marbled endpapers, a.e.g.; expertly recased with some restoration to extremities and gilt stamping, frontispiece washed, some paper repairs to upper inner corners of frontispiece and title and small repairs to subsequent leaves, occasional light foxing and offsetting, in a custom velvet-lined cloth box. A newly-discovered first edition of Leaves of Grass, passed by descent through the family of Whitman's friend Frank Baker (1841-1918), physician, founding member of the National Geographic Society, and one-time superintendent of the National Zoo.…

"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.

The first edition of 'Leaves of Grass' can be identified by its green cover, the portrait of Whitman in civilian dress, the absence of the author's name on the title page, and the inclusion of 12 untitled poems, which were later known to have titles. Whitman self-published this poetry book. Only 337 copies were bound in his deluxe first binding with a gilt border, the edges in gilt, and marbled end-papers. A total of 795 copies were eventually produced. The first gilt body copies are regarded as of higher value by collectors.