Manhattan Rare Book Company

WHITMAN AS A BOOKSELLER, TRYING TO SELL LEAVES OF GRASS.

In this letter, Whitman has written to New York publishers Dick & Fitzgerald mentioning Leaves of Grass. He offers the book to them at a 33% discount and signs the letter with his full signature "Walt Whitman". Framed alongside the letter is the famous photo of Whitman touching the (prop) butterfly from the first edition of Whitman's "Specimen Days & Collect".

The letter, dated Feb 18, 1888 from his 328 Mickle Street address (Camden, New Jersey) reads in full:

"After some delay I have succeeded in getting you a two Vol. set (in perfect order half leather binding) those portraits from life, of Leaves of Grass and Two Rivulets ed'n 1876 - Shall I send the vols to you? The price is $6.66 (+10 - one-third off).

[signed] Walt Whitman"

Matted and framed with UV filtered glass with opening on back to show the address side of post card. Framed alongside Whitman's letter is the photograph of Whitman from Specimen Days. Dimensions - Frame: 38.1cm x 30.5cm (15in x 12in), letter: 13.3cm x 7.6cm (5.25in x 3in), Whitman print: 9.5cm x 14.6cm (3.75in x 5.75in). Fine condition with signature strong and bold.

Price: $8,500 .