Books

Whitman, 1876. Special Edition. Hardcover. Very Good. The signed "author's edition," signed as called for by the author on the title page, but also additionally inscribed and dated July 27, 1876, by the author on the front free endpaper. Also bears the recipient's ownership signature on the front free endpaper, Ms. K. Hillard. This author's edition was published by Whitman himself as a "centennial edition," one on only 600 copies printed, and constituted the fifth edition, third printing, second issue of Leaves of Grass. Book has later leather spine. Laid in is a signed letter to Ms. Hillard, dated March 12, 1876. Int he letter Whitman speaks about mutual friends and animated get togethers, and also discusses how expensive it was to self-publish the centennial books ("how absurdly high the price."). The letter is separated at the center fold, and a small corner missing, affecting part of the signature. Housed in a handsome clamshell case.

"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.