Initial publication Leaves of Grass

on may 15, 1855, whitman registered title leaves of grass clerk of united states district court, southern district of new jersey, , received copyright. first edition published on july 4, 1855, in brooklyn, @ printing shop of 2 scottish immigrants, james , andrew rome, whom whitman had known since 1840s. shop located @ fulton street (now cadman plaza west) , cranberry street, site of apartment buildings bear whitman s name. whitman paid , did of typesetting first edition himself. book did not include author s name, , instead offered engraving samuel hollyer depicting whitman in work clothes , jaunty hat, arms @ side. advertisements first edition appealed lovers of literary curiosities oddity. sales on book few, whitman not discouraged.

the first edition small, collecting twelve unnamed poems in 95 pages. whitman once said intended book small enough carried in pocket. tend induce people take me along them , read me in open air: successful reader in open air , explained. 800 printed, though 200 bound in trademark green cloth cover. american library known have purchased copy of first edition in philadelphia. poems of first edition, given titles in later issues, song of myself , song occupations , think of time , sleepers , sing body electric , faces , song of answerer , europe: 72d , 73d years of these states , boston ballad , there child went forth , learns lesson complete? , , great myths .

the title leaves of grass pun. grass term given publishers works of minor value, , leaves name pages on printed.

whitman sent copy of first edition of leaves of grass emerson, had inspired creation. in letter whitman, emerson wrote, find extraordinary piece of wit , wisdom america has yet contributed. went on, happy in reading it, great power makes happy.