Books

This 'Very Good' to 'Near Fine' hardback was published by David McKay of 23 South Ninth Street, Philadelphia in the USA in 1891/2. This copy is from the so-called New Edition, expanded with additional selections, first issue. This edition has Whitman's final corrections and his endorsement to the text. Walt Whitman was ailing when this was being produced. His friend, Horace Traubel, arranged for 50 copies, in wrappers, to be given to Walt who sent them to friends. Then the remaining copies of which this is one, were issued in dark green cloth with the top edge with gilt. Although the author's signature on the title page looks completely authentic it is a facsimile done for this selected first issue. The green cloth binding has some scuffing. The spine titles are in gilt. The front paste down-endpaper has the inked name of R Drayton Johnson. The main text of the book has 438 numbered pages. The size of the book in inches is 8.6 x 6.0 x 1.6 and it weighs 0.84 kg. The book has been in a private English collection for some 40 years and has been looked after well. The complete tittle of this book is as follows: 'Leaves of Grass Including Sands at Seventy, Good-Bye My Fancy, A Backward Glance O'er Travel'd Roads and Portrait from Life.

"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.