Song of the Broad-Axe

A limited edition full-size facsimile reproduction of Wharton Esherick's hand lettered and illustrated prototype edition of Walt Whitman's poem. Produced in a numbered limited edition of 350 copies, this is a full-sized facsimile of Wharton Esherick's prototype of Walt Whitman's "Song of the Broad-Axe" poem. Each page is as produced by the artist, with hand lettering and illumination. Esherick illustrated the work with eighteen woodblock images that represent the artist's vision and skill. Available for the first time to the public, this book is work of art, interpreting the power of Whitman's words in Esherick's unique and beautiful style. Each limited edition copy is accompanied by a separate 8" x 11" restrike of his original woodcut "Welcome are all the earth's lands," suitable for framing. Also included is an illustrated essay by Paul Eisenhauer, Curator of the Wharton Esherick Museum in Paoli, Pennsylvania, which gives a brief biography of Esherick and the historical background the book. All is contained in a custom cloth case to ensure its longevity as a treasured keepsake.