Controversial American poet whose experiments in radically new forms of poetry blended rhythmic rambling with mystic imagery and celebrated his thoughts on man and society. His masterpiece, Leaves of Grass, led to his dismissal from a job as a clerk in the US Department of the Interior because of the book’s reputed scandalously explicit sexual references. Fountain pen signature, “Walt Whitman,” adding underneath, in a different pen, “‘Specimen Days’ autobiograph complete prose writings (one vol.) will be out 15th Rees Welsh & Co. Philadelphia publishers,” on an off-white card. Cloth mounted and framed with a portrait of Whitman, as well as a certificate and seal of authenticity from Charles Hamilton on reverse, to an overall size of 13 x 18.5. Notations a shade lighter than signature and some scattered mild soiling, otherwise fine condition. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
