Sold – Walt Whitman sends “two volumes of my books”

One of the world’s most prophetic literary minds, who, along with Emily Dickinson, is credited with having created modern American poetry. He is well known for the poems “Song of Myself,” “Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking,” and his homage to President Abraham Lincoln, “Oh Captain My Captain.”

Whitman’s career as a poet began in 1843 after reading Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay, “The Poet,” in which Emerson called for America to have its own unique voice. After reading the essay Whitman set out to answer Emerson’s call with his collection of poems, Leaves of Grass.

When that volume was first published in 1855, the enthusiastic Whitman sent a copy to Emerson, who responded in a letter, calling the book, “the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom America has yet contributed.” Emerson’s letter helped launch the book to success. Although heralded by many as a work of true genius, it was considered by others to be offensive and was banned in Boston in 1882.

Autograph Note Signed, “Camden, New Jersey, March 7, ’82.  Dear Madam, returning here last evening I have mailed you the two volumes of my books. Would you please notify me soon as they reach you safely.” A truly beautiful example of his handwriting.

It is possible that Whitman was enclosing a copy of his most recent printing of Leaves of Grass, it having been published just months prior. Although there were many printings of this famous volume between 1855 and 1891, the 1881/82 printing is considered the definitive version by many.