Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
Publishing: 1882 Rees Welsh & Co; Philadelphia
Here is an early edition of Walt Whitman's monumental work, widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of American literature. This reprint utilizes slightly modified plates from the 1881-82 "Suppressed Edition," which was printed in Boston just months earlier. Notably, the provenance of this copy is of great significance, the book is signed by Justus Schwab and presented to Dyer D. Lum. Both were significant figures in the American socialist and anarchist movements of the late 19th century.
Schwab immigrated to the United States in 1868, where he operated a radical saloon on New York City's Lower East Side (50 East 1st Street). The saloon was advertised as "the gathering place for all bold, joyful, and freedom-loving spirits." It became an epicenter for social radicalism and was frequented by Schwab's close friends, including anarchist Emma Goldman, and writer Ambrose Bierce. Dyer Lum, to whom the book was presented, is best remembered as the lover and mentor of early anarcho-feminist Voltairine de Cleyre. In 1890, he wrote "The Economics of Anarchy."
Emma Goldman once reflected on her relationship with Schwab, stating, “Everyone gathered at Justus’s. Justus, as we affectionately called him, was the comrade, adviser, and friend of all. The circle was interspersed with many Americans, among them writers and artists. John Swinton, Ambrose Bierce, James Huneker, Sadakichi Hartmann, and other literati loved to listen to Justus’s golden voice, drink his delicious beer and wine, and argue world-problems far into the night.’
It is a well known fact that Whitman spent a considerable amount of time in Lower East Manhattan at local beer cellars. So it is likely that Whitman and Schwab were directly connected. However, I have not been able to confirm their relationship independently.
Condition: publishers olive green cloth boards, gilt title with butterfly design to spine, frontis and tissue guard present, scattered foxing, slight lean to spine, overall a nice clean copy in Very Good condition