Leaves of Grass

Leaves of Grass, published by Walt Whitman on July 4, 1855, features a preface and 12 untitled poems in free verse, including the renowned "Song of Myself." Over four decades, Whitman expanded this work to reflect themes of American nationalism, democracy, and personal expression, ultimately culminating in the 1892 "Deathbed Edition" containing 383 poems. This seminal collection garnered diverse reactions, from Abraham Lincoln's approval to Emily Dickinson's criticism, illustrating its profound impact on American literature and culture.