Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman (not authenticated)

This physical object is an illustrated edition of Walt Whitman's poetry collection titled Leaves of Grass, presented as an open book resting on a dark polished wooden table. The visible page is a title or half-title page featuring clean black typography on cream-colored paper. The text explicitly reads as follows: 'WALT WHITMAN LEAVES OF GRASS SELECTED AND WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY CHRISTOPHER MORLEY ILLUSTRATIONS BY LEWIS C. DANIEL DOUBLEDAY, DORAN & CO., INC. NEW YORK: MCMXL'. A vertical decorative border consisting of a repeating green leaf and vine motif runs down the left margin of the page. The paper displays a smooth, matte texture with standard book-weight thickness. Regarding visible condition, the paper appears clean with minimal discoloration or aging, maintaining clear and sharp typography. The attribution in the name rests directly on the legible printed publication text visible on the page, specifically noting the publisher and the year mark 'MCMXL' (1940), though the physical book itself remains unauthenticated regarding its exact printing run or current condition beyond what is captured in the photograph. The style is consistent with mid-20th-century American fine press book design, emphasizing classic serif typography and integrated botanical illustration elements.

Based on the provided image, I am looking at the title page of an illustrated edition of Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass. The text bears the publication details of Doubleday, Doran & Co., New York, with the Roman numeral MCMXL indicating a publication date of 1940. It notes an introduction by Christopher Morley and illustrations by Lewis C. Daniel. From what I can see in the photograph, the page is in good condition with clean, sharp typography and a distinct green leaf motif along the margin. However, I cannot evaluate the full condition of the book, including its binding, the state of the cover, the presence of a dust jacket or slipcase, or the completeness of the pages, which would require an in-person physical inspection. This specific 1940 illustrated edition is a well-regarded but widely available mid-20th-century pressing. While it holds appeal for enthusiasts of American literature and mid-century fine press design, it does not carry the high premium of earlier or rarer antique printings. Assuming the physical book matches the visible publication details, comparable editions in good condition typically sell in the $20 to $50 range in the current secondary market. The precise value within this range depends heavily on the condition of the exterior binding and whether any original protective enclosures are present.