A Fine Collection of American Literature and History

Whitman's Presentation Copy to a Philadelphia Admirer

Washington, D.C., 1872. First edition. 8vo. x, (iv), 14, (2), (2), 8 (ads) pp. Presentation copy, inscribed by Whitman on front free endpaper, "Mrs: Wilson Eyre / f'm the author / Oct: 25 1891". Publisher's dark green cloth-covered boards, stamped in gilt, extremities and joints rubbed, spine ends lightly worn; all edges trimmed; front hinge worn but sound; in green cloth slip case and chemise. Myerson A7.1a1; BAL 21408

A handsome presentation copy of Whitman's "As a Strong Bird on Pinions Free." Published in a small edition before Whitman read the poem at the Dartmouth College Commencement of 1872. Inscribed to Whitman's admirer Louisa Lincoln Eyre (1831-1912), mother of Philadelphia architect, Wilson Eyre, Jr. (1858-1944), and Philadelphia lawyer, Lincoln Eyre (1857-1925).

Whitman's biographer, friend, and literary executor, Horace Traubel recounts the story of Whitman signing this very volume. In Trabuel's journal account dated Saturday, October 24, 1891--the day before this volume was signed--he writes: "After our good-bye to W(hitman). we went across to Philadelphia to the Penn Club. Frank Williams there—later Jastrow—later still Morris. Met there Esling, local poet and writer, who had traveled much and was replete with story or fable. Williams told me this. Lincoln Eyre's mother, Mrs. Wilson Eyre, though to that time ignorant of or opposed to 'Leaves of Grass,' in the summer took the book up and more carefully read it than before (if ever read before) and imbibed a certain sort of enthusiasm for parts of it—the other evening surprising a whole company of people by saying she would 'recite something from Walt Whitman,' whereto plying at 'The Mystic Trumpeter' with great ardor and understanding. Williams astonished and pleased. Asks me now—can I get for him a copy of 'As a Strong Bird' (the little volume), which contained 'The Mystic Trumpeter'—along with Mrs. Eyre's name and W.'s autograph. I promise, knowing W. has copies and would do it, and that Frank Williams could nowhere else get them. 'Do this for me, Horace—I'll be everlastingly indebted'" (With Walt Whitman in Camden, October 1, 1891-April 3, 1892, Volume 9, pp. 79-80). The following day Traubel saw Whitman and relayed Williams's request: "Gave him message from Frank Williams. He was intensely interested, at once saying, 'He shall have the book—anything, anyhow, for Frank's sake—I am glad anytime to do him what small pleasures I can.' Then, 'You may have the book today or tomorrow or anytime you wish.' After a pause, 'Why not today—at once?' I objected to his getting up. 'Oh! It's no matter. It's about time for me to get up anyhow. I get so sleepy and stupid—come over to the bed, then go back again—and that is about all my day's story.' I proposed then myself to bring him a copy of the little book. "Do you know where to find it?' I went straight in and put my hands on the book immediately. When I returned W. exclaimed, 'So you knew where they were? You seem to be all eyes!' Now I proposed leaving inscription till tomorrow, but he would not have it. 'No, I will go over to my chair—write it immediately. That will get it off our minds.' So he did get up and labored across to the middle window, where he put Mrs. Eyre's name in the book. He was much interested in all that Williams had told me and had considerable curiosity about Mrs. Eyre." (p. 81)

An incredibly well-documented presentation.