Leaves of Grass, Poetry, and Prose

In 1855, Walt Whitman self-published the first edition of Leaves of Grass, a visionary collection of twelve poems. Leaves of Grass is a celebration of life, nature, humanity, and the uniquely American form of mysticism known as Transcendentalism.


Leaves of Grass employs a vibrantly innovative style of free verse and explores previously unmentionable subject matter. Glorifying nature, lauding the senses and sexuality, and eulogizing the human body, this majestic collection was highly controversial, derided, and widely criticized after publication. 


Despite all this, Whitman continued developing Leaves of Grass throughout his life, continually building his influential work decades after its first publication by adding new poems with each new subsequent printing.


This later edition presents the original twelve poems from Whitman's premier 1855 publication of Leaves of Grass along with many additional poems added over time. Among many others, included are some of the greatest poems of modern times: "Song of Myself," "I Sing the Body Electric," and "There Was a Child Went Forth." 


In addition to Leaves of Grass, this edition includes Whitman's complete prose. Included prose ranges from Specimen Days and Collect to November Boughs and Good Bye My Fancy along with many others.


Whitman's timeless works continue to resonate, influence, and challenge convention to this day.

This beautifully designed collection of Whitman's works has an interactive table of contents for ease of navigation and presents carefully formatted text to facilitate the discovery of his grand ideals.