Leaves of Grass de Whitman, Walt - 1876

Whitman, 1876. Special Edition. Hardcover. Very Good. The signed "author's edition," signed as called for by the author on the title page, but also additionally inscribed and dated July 27, 1876, by the author on the front free endpaper. Also bears the recipient's ownership signature on the front free endpaper, Ms. K. Hillard. This author's edition was published by Whitman himself as a "centennial edition," one on only 600 copies printed, and constituted the fifth edition, third printing, second issue of Leaves of Grass. Book has later leather spine. Laid in is a signed letter to Ms. Hillard, dated March 12, 1876. Int he letter Whitman speaks about mutual friends and animated get togethers, and also discusses how expensive it was to self-publish the centennial books ("how absurdly high the price."). The letter is separated at the center fold, and a small corner missing, affecting part of the signature. Housed in a handsome clamshell case.