Books

1/1000. Quarto. 66pp. Period maroon buckram boards with gilt lettering on the front cover and spine. Beveled edges. Top edge of book block in gilt. Frontispiece photo-portrait of Whitman in b/w, protected with a tissue guard. A first edition of the 2nd annex (expansion) to Walt Whitman's seminal poetry collection 'Leaves of Grass', here presented in its original form as an individual volume. This first section of the work is comprised of a total of 31 short poems from the acclaimed poet. The second part of the work is comprised of 4 essays by Whitman. The front contains a preface and table of contents. This annex was later added to the so-called "deathbed" edition of Leaves of Grass the following year, the final edition of the work prepared by Whitman, issued two months before his death. Binding with light rubbing to corners, head and tail of spine lightly bumped. Front cover with a small 1/4 inch stain on the the top right corner. A some light scratches to the back cover. Book block tight. Interior clean, except for a few smalls stains and smudges in the margins of pages 6-9. Binding in very good-, interior in very good+ condition overall. Bibliographic references: Myerson A13 (style 1 without caption); BAL 21440 (variant "B" binding); Wells and Goldsmith p. 34.

"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.