Books

San Francisco: The Arion Press, 2014. Limited Edition. An exquisitely produced edition of Leaves of Grass, issued as the one hundredth publication of The Arion Press. Letterpress printed in Goudy Californian on Langley paper from the Barcham Green Mill in England, with watermarks of the mill and of Arion Press. "The text is that of the 1855 first edition, just a dozen poems, far fewer than the "Death-bed Edition of 1891-92, which is the body of poetry known today...Our choice of the first edition text was based on two considerations. First, we wished to differentiate this, the one-hundredth book of Arion Press, from the Grabhorn Press masterpiece of 1930 for Random House, which used the text of the 1891-92 edition. Second, we wished to present the version of Whitman's poetry that so astonished and impressed Ralph Waldo Emerson and many other discerning readers then and since with its highly original approach. No one had ever read such revolutionary poetry before, and this book…

"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.