Ingersoll, Robert G. (Whitman, Walt)

Address at the Funeral of Walt Whitman

San Francisco, CA: ManRoot, 1976. Limited First Edition Thus. Stapled Wrappers. “He was absolutely true to himself. He had frankness and courage, and he was candid as light. He was willing that all the sons of man should be absolutely acquainted with his heart and brain. He had nothing to conceal. Frank, candid, pure, serene, noble, and yet for years he was maligned and slandered, simply because he had the candor of nature. He will be understood yet, and that for which he was condemned, his frankness, his candor—will add to the glory and greatness of his fame” (pp. 4-5). A chapbook featuring the oration of Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899) as delivered at the funeral of his friend, the great American poet, Walt Whitman (1819-1892). Ingersoll was a lawyer, orator, and avowed agnostic. He also had a life in politics: he not only served as Attorney General in the state of Illinois but delivered a speech at the Republican National Convention in 1876 (known as the “Plumed Knight” speech) which is considered a model of political oratory. Ingersoll’s friendship with Walt Whitman, of course, is at the heart of this publication, and to this effect, consider the following quotation. “It should not be surprising that I am drawn to Ingersoll, for he is 'Leaves of Grass' ... He lives, embodies, the individuality, I preach. I see in Bob [Ingersoll] the noblest specimen – American-flavored – pure out of the soil, spreading, giving, demanding light” (from Intimate with Walt: Selections from Whitman’s Conversations with Horace Traubel). This unique commemorative pamphlet, produced by ManRoot in San Francisco in 1976 at the height of the Second San Francisco Renaissance, is thus a perfect addition to any Beat or Transcendentalist-inclusive collection or library. From the collection of Albert Glover (1942-2026), the esteemed American poet, editor, publisher & academician who was the foremost remaining authority on Charles Olson (1910-1970). Glover was a student of & anointed by the Maximus Master himself at SUNY Buffalo during the 1960s, & had ever since served outstandingly to bear the Olsonian Torch as bibliographer, editor & publisher. Chapbook in stapled wrappers: presumed First Edition Thus, First Printing — (“Printed 1976 / in Berkeley, California / for ManRoot / in an edition of 1,000”), per copyright page. In Fine condition with only minute shelf-wear & some light bumping to fine-edges & corners of front, back covers & spine-edge; minute-to-light rubbing present, variously at same; & light-to-moderate rusting (& related light bleeding) present at staples at interior & exterior; otherwise, clean. Fine. [Item #8809]

Price: $30.00