Whitman, Walt.

Small folio (283 x 200mm.), first edition, first issue, frontispiece portrait of Whitman by Hollyer on thick paper, original tissue-guard, original green cloth, spine gilt with title and floral ornaments, covers blindstamped with floral ornaments, gilt-lettered title (in ornamental "rustic" font) within a triple-fillet frame, marbled endpapers, a.e.g., green buckram slipcase and chemise, frontispiece foxed, occasional light foxing throughout, some wear to spine ends, minor wear and rubbing to covers

BAL 21395; Feinberg/Detroit 269; Grolier American 67, Myerson A2.1.a1; PMM 340

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A very good copy of the most important and influential volume of poetry written in America. Whitman was his own publisher, and this first edition of his life's work was an attractive but fragile production. This is the first issue, before the insertion of eight pages of press notices (largely the work of Whitman's own pen) and before the deletion of much of the gilt from the covers and page edges, evidently in an effort to cut production costs.

Whitman's poetry has long since achieved the great reputation he was confident it would attain, and his influence on American - and world - literature has been enormous. Leaves of Grass "is America's second Declaration of Independence: that of 1776 was political, this of 1855 intellectual" (Printing and the Mind of Man).