Books

Boston: Thayer and Eldridge, 1880. Very Good. Boston: Thayer and Eldridge [Richard Worthington], 1860-61 [but ca. 1880]. Third Edition, presumed fourth (and second unauthorized) printing. Octavo (19cm); 456 pp. Frontispiece by S.A. Schoff, with tissue guard. Blind-stamped pebbled maroon cloth with gilt lettering to spine; light yellow endpapers. Boards rubbed at corners and with a bit of fading to spine and some tugging and fraying at head and tail. Front board a bit shaky and a crack starting at rear hinge, but binding is holding soundly. Binding is sound and pages unmarked. Richard Worthington issued this unauthorized edition after acquiring the Thayer plates, which were sold at auction in 1879 (Thayer went bankrupt in 1861). Worthington had approached Whitman with an offer for the author to "complete" the book, which Whitman refused. He was therefore dismayed to find a copy of the book a year later in a Philadelphia bookstore. Legal action was threatened but never taken, and…

"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.