Books

First edition, first state binding. The first edition of Leaves of Grass was self-published by Whitman. His money ran tight as production continued and the bindings became progressively less elaborate. Only 337 copies were bound in the deluxe first binding with gilt border, edges gilt and marbled endpapers, as here. A total of 795 copies were eventually produced. As a former newspaperman and printer, Whitman had an unusually close involvement in the physical aspects of the publication. The type was partially hand-set by the poet himself for printing in the Brooklyn Heights shop of Andrew Rome, assisted by his brother, Tom. Various stop-press revisions within the first printing have been identified, with this copy exhibiting a mix of first and second states as usual. As the hand-set type jostled and occasionally fell off the hand-inked, iron-bed press, each copy is arguably unique. A fine copy of this book which, more than any other perhaps, has defined America to itself. "He was and is the poet and prophet of democracy, and the intoxication of his immense affirmative, the fervor of his 'barbaric yawp,' are so powerful that the echo of his crude yet rhythmic song rings forever in the American air" (Grolier One Hundred). Much has been written of the significance of this first edition - "America's second Declaration of Independence" to quote PMM. "The slender volume introduced the poet who, celebrating the nation by celebrating himself, has since remained at the heart of America's cultural memory because in the world of his imagination Americans have learned to recognize and possibly understand their own" (Marki, "Leaves of Grass, 1855 edition," in Walt Whitman, 1998). READ MORE Small folio. First state binding (Myerson A) of original dark olive-green coarse ribbed-morocco cloth, covers with triple-rule frame in gilt surrounding blindstamped leaf-and-vine designs, front cover with gilt rustic lettering and decoration, spine stamped and lettered in gilt, marbled endpapers, gilt edges. Housed in a custom green quarter morocco case, cloth chemise. Portrait frontispiece engraved by Samuel Hollyer from a photograph (first state on heavy paper), with tissue guard. A few early light pencil marks, including the comment "This is d- arrogant". Collector's bookplate of Samuel Bancroft, Jr., of Rockford, Wilmington, Delaware. Some small marks to cloth, touch of wear to two tips and spine ends, frontispiece lightly foxed in margins as often, the occasional blemish, still a fine copy undisturbed in the distinctive original binding. BAL 21395; Grolier American 67; Johnson High Spots 79; Myerson A.2.1.a1; Printing and the Mind of Man 340.

"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.