Camden1
New Jersey
Jan: 6 '89
Y'rs of 3d recd here. The big book "Complete Works"2 &c: is $6. It contains
"Democratic Vistas"—With four portraits extra on loose sheets it w'd be
$6.50—If you desire it, send p o money order—& send word whether you
prefer by mail or express—
Walt Whitman
I can send in a little paper bound Vol: "Dem: Vistas"—50cts—if
wanted—
Correspondent:
John W. Tilton was a lawyer and
politician from Haverhill, Massachusetts. He was an active member of his local
school board, and was elected to his state's House of Representatives by a very
narrow margin in 1878.
Notes
- 1. This letter is addressed:
J W Tilton | Office John J. Winn | Attorney &c: | 60 Merrimack St. |
Haverhill | Essex Co: Mass:. It is postmarked: Camden (?) | Jan 7 | 8 PM |
89. [back]
- 2. Whitman often referred to Complete Poems & Prose (1888) as his "big book." The
volume was published by the poet himself in an arrangement with publisher David
McKay, who allowed Whitman to use the plates for both Leaves
of Grass and Specimen Days—in December
1888. With the help of Horace Traubel, Whitman made the presswork and binding
decisions, and Frederick Oldach bound the volume, which included a profile photo
of the poet on the title page. For more information on the book, see Ed Folsom,
Whitman Making Books/Books Making Whitman: A Catalog and
Commentary (University of Iowa: Obermann Center for Advanced Studies, 2005). [back]