- 90
Whitman, Walt
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description
- Whitman, Walt
- Leaves of Grass. Camden, N. J.: published by the author, 1882
- printed book
8vo (7 3/4 x 5 in.; 197 x 127mm). Title leaf is a cancel, 2 engraved portraits of Whitman inserted after pp. 28 and 296; a few pages carelessly opened with small nicks. Original green cloth, spine gilt-lettered, top edges gilt, yellow endpapers; skillfully rebacked with original spine laid down, some gilt on top edges rubbed. Half green morocco clamshell case, spine gilt-lettered, green buckram chemise.
Provenance
Dr. Dowling Benjamin (presentation inscription)
Literature
Myerson A2.7.c3; Wells & Goldsmith 25
Condition
Condition as described in catalogue entry.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Author's edition. Presentation copy, signed by Whitman on the title and inscribed by him to his physician, Dr. Dowling Benjamin, on the front free endpaper, "Dr. Benjamin from the author. May 26 1883." Dr. Benjamin has written beneath the inscription, "I was Walt's personal physician. D. B."
In 1881, James Osgood published an expanded edition of Leaves of Grass in Boston. The edition was declared obscene by the Boston district attorney. Whitman then asked that the plates be sent to him in Camden, where he issued an edition with a new title-page. According to Wells & Goldsmith, probably less than 100 copies were printed.