WHITMAN, Walt (1819-1892). Leaves of Grass. Philadelphia: David McKay, 1884.

8vo. Engraved portrait. (Title-page neatly reinserted on stub.) Original gilt-lettered olive cloth, top edge gilt, others uncut [BAL binding B, no priority] (discreetly recased, rubbing and spotting, spine slightly darkened); folding chemise and morocco-back slipcase. Provenance: Richard Maurice Bucke (1837-1902), Canadian psychiatrist and close friend of Whitman (presentation inscription).

Later edition. PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY WHITMAN to Richard Maurice Bucke "with best love January 22 1887" on the title-page.

Bucke's friendship with Whitman began in the late 1860s when Bucke first encountered Whitman's work noting that his cosmic consciousness experience, which Bucke refers to as a revelation of purpose in the universe, occurred following a night of reading Whitman's poetry. Bucke was so moved that he traveled to Camden, New Jersey, to meet Whitman in person. The two men quickly formed a close bond, and Bucke became one of Whitman's most devoted admirers, even dedicating an entire chapter to Whitman in his 1901 best-known work titled, Cosmic Consciousness. Bucke went on to write one of the earliest biographies of Whitman published in 1883 and would also become Whitman's literary executor. Bucke continued to champion Whitman's poetry and philosophy throughout his life even after Whitman's death, later testifying that he was "lifted to and set upon a higher plan of existence" because of his friendship with Whitman. BAL 21630. A SUPERB ASSOCIATION COPY.