Whitman, Walt

Small folio (11 1/8 x 7 3/4 in.; 281 x 197mm). Engraved frontispiece portrait of Whitman by Samuel Hollyer after a photograph, printed on thick paper and retaining the original tissue-guard; title-page very lightly browned, but portrait free from the usual foxing,  short tears along inner margin pp. 90–94 repaired, title and portrait with light fold lines, both now expertly rehinged.  Original green cloth, covers with blindstamped floral decorations and gilt-lettered title (in ornamental "rustic" font) within a triple-fillet frame, smooth spine gilt with title and floral ornaments, edges gilt, marbled endpapers (Myerson's binding A); recase, covers cleaned, foot of spine chipped, portions of spine cloth relaid, but without loss.  Half green morocco slipcase, chemise.

Paul Francis Webster (his sale, Sotheby's New York, 24 April 1985, lot 97)

Feinberg/Detroit 269; Grolier American 67; Johnson High Spots 79; PMM 340

Condition as described in catalogue.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition, first issue of this notoriously fragile book and one of the most attractive productions of 19th century American literature.

The self-published  Leaves was at least partially personally type-set by the author on a small handpress in Brooklyn. Of the original 795 copies, only 337 were issued in the present binding, with the subsequent binding emphasizing the blind stamping over the gilt in order to save costs. The later issue, both cloth and wrappered, had 8 pages of laudatory press notices (mostly written by Whitman) inserted.

"...In a sense, it is America's second Declaration of Indpendence: that of 1776 was political, that of 1855 intellectual" (PMM).