Whitman, Walt.

8vo, fourth edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author on the title page to the poet algernon swinburne ("Algernon Charles Swinburne, | from Walt Whiman"), issue with "Drum Taps", "Sequel to Drum Taps" and "Songs before Parting" bound after "Leaves of Grass", four parts in one volume, separate pagination, later full crushed maroon morocco gilt by Riviere, blue endpapers, all edges gilt, slight dampstaining to title and a few other leaves, minor wear to top of joints

Algernon Charles Swinburne, presentation inscription by the author; anonymous owner, sold Swann Galleries, 15 April 1982, lot 202; Miss Frances Jones, sold Christie's New York, 7 OCtober 1994, lot 217; Donald G. Drapkin, his bookplate, the sale of his library at Christie's New York, 29 June 2005, lot 404

BAL 21399; Myerson A2.4.a1; Wells and Goldsmith p.12;

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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 fine association copy of the defining work of the first american poet to achieve a fully international reputation. It was Whitman who invented a truly American free verse, embodying the democratic spirit of the nation.

Swinburne was one of Whitman's greatest admirers and was outspoken in his support of him in Britain, describing him as "one of the great geniuses of our time". He included his own celebratory ode "To Walt Whitman in America" in his Songs before Sunrise, published in 1871.

Originally issued in grey wrappers, this is the rarest of the four issues of this edition of Leaves of Grass, and probably the first, which appeared from October 1866. In it Whitman incorporates his own poetry of the American Civil War into a new edition of his celebrated Leaves of Grass.