This poem by Whitman, published in Leaves of Grass (1856) as “Broad-Axe Poem,” and given its present title in 1867.

“The ‘weapon, shapely, naked, wan,’ is traced from the extraction of the rough ore from the earth to its shaping for the utilitarian purposes to which it has been put in different periods of history. The use of the axe by American pioneers, firemen, shipbuilders, carpenters, and butchers is contrasted with its use in foreign countries at earlier periods by sacrificial priests, warriors, and executioners. Thus it becomes symbolic of the freedom of democracy, contrasted with the restrictions of autocratic rule.”

This new publication from the Ascensius Press has been printed in an edition of 20 copies lettered A-T. Measuring 10 x 15 inches, the book has been printed on Hahnemühle Gutenberg 130gsm paper. The text type is 13.5 point Monotype Fournier, composed and cast at the press. Libra is used as a display face. The book has been printed in multiple colors, and has a monoprint as a frontispiece by Master Printer Lisa Pixley. All copies have been bound by Gray Parrot in Warren, Maine.

Copies A-F are housed in a clamshell box, and contain an approximately seven inch square bronze relief entitled Eagle by Thomas Cornell, cast by him in 1968. $2500.00

Copies G-T are bound in quarter leather with decorated paper sides. $1000.00