Leaves of Grass Second Edition

Leaves of Grass. Walt Whitman. Second Edition, 1856. 384 pp., advertisement leaf. Inscribed in pencil on the front free endpaper “Given to Mrs. A.J. Davis from Walt Whitman. New York City, July 1857”

An intriguing copy of the rare second edition of Walt Whitman’s influential and quintessentially American masterpiece.

Like the 1855 first edition, it was issued anonymously, though the copyright is in Whitman’s name. The ad leaf at the end states the book was published by the author, but it doesn’t list a publisher. “Ordered at any bookstore or newspaper depot, especially Fowler & Wells, 308 Broadway, New York,” Fowler & Wells, the publishers, hid their identity due to their specialization in spiritualism and esoterica.

Whitman, aware of public relations, concealed their true selves.

This second edition of Leaves of Grass marks a significant expansion of Whitman’s groundbreaking poetic work. Enlarged from the original 1855 edition, this volume features 32 poems, including the addition of “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry,” further developing Whitman’s visionary themes of democracy, nature, and the human spirit. A defining work of American literature, this edition solidifies Leaves of Grass as an evolving masterpiece, embodying Whitman’s lifelong commitment to revising and expanding his poetic vision.

In very good condition with corners and edges slightly worn and some foxing throughout, as pictured. Engraved frontispiece portrait. 6” x 3 1/2”, original green blindstamped cloth lettered in gilt on front cover and spine, yellow endpapers. Respined.

The book’s front free endpaper has a pencil notation indicating it was presented to Mrs. A.J. Davis, likely Andrew Jackson Davis’s spiritualist wife. An interesting association copy.