Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman is a poetry collection celebrating life, humanity, and the human body, departing from the religious symbolism typical of its time. Influenced by Transcendentalism, the poems explore themes of self-discovery, love, democracy, and mortality. The book's explicit sexual imagery and exploration of homoerotic themes were controversial upon its release.

Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman is praised for its innovative free verse and celebration of individualism and nature. Its candid exploration of human emotions and democratic ideals resonates with many, though some find its unstructured format and explicit content off-putting. Overall, it remains a cornerstone of American literature for its bold themes and poetic breadth.

A reader who appreciates transcendent themes, free verse, and explorations of individuality and nature will enjoy Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman. Similar to those who admire Song of Myself and Thoreau's Walden, readers drawn to philosophical musings and self-discovery will find Whitman's work captivating.

Contemplative / Inspirational / Emotional / Serene / Nostalgic

- Walt Whitman first published Leaves of Grass in 1855, and he continued to revise and expand it up until his death, producing nine different editions.
- The first edition of Leaves of Grass contained only 12 poems and was published anonymously with a preface written by Whitman himself.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson, an influential American philosopher, famously praised Leaves of Grass by sending Whitman a letter that said, "I greet you at the beginning of a great career."

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore Leaves of Grass reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About Leaves of Grass

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Overview

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Leaves of Grass Summary

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Background

Leaves of Grass Background

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Poem Summaries & Analyses

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of sexual content.

“I Celebrate Myself” [“Song of Myself”]

Leaves of Grass “I Celebrate Myself” [“Song of Myself”] Summary & Analysis

“Come Closer to Me” [“A Song for Occupations”]

Leaves of Grass “Come Closer to Me” [“A Song for Occupations”] Summary & Analysis

“To Think of Time . . . . To Think Through” [“To Think of Time”] Summary

Leaves of Grass “To Think of Time . . . . To Think Through” [“To Think of Time”] Summary Summary & Analysis

“I Wander All Night in My Vision” [“The Sleepers”]

Leaves of Grass “I Wander All Night in My Vision” [“The Sleepers”] Summary & Analysis

“The Bodies of Men and Women Engirth” [“I Sing the Body Electric”]

Leaves of Grass “The Bodies of Men and Women Engirth” [“I Sing the Body Electric”] Summary & Analysis

“Sauntering the Pavement or Riding the Country Byroads” [“Faces”]

Leaves of Grass “Sauntering the Pavement or Riding the Country Byroads” [“Faces”] Summary & Analysis

“A Young Man Came to Me With” [“Song of the Answerer”]

Leaves of Grass “A Young Man Came to Me With” [“Song of the Answerer”] Summary & Analysis

“Suddenly Out of Its Stale and Drowsy” [“Europe: The 72d and 73d Years of These States”]

Leaves of Grass “Suddenly Out of Its Stale and Drowsy” [“Europe: The 72d and 73d Years of These States”] Summary & Analysis

“Clear the Way There Jonathan!” [“A Boston Ballad”]

Leaves of Grass “Clear the Way There Jonathan!” [“A Boston Ballad”] Summary & Analysis

“There Was a Child Went Forth”

Leaves of Grass “There Was a Child Went Forth” Summary & Analysis

“Who Learns My Lesson Complete?”

Leaves of Grass “Who Learns My Lesson Complete?” Summary & Analysis

“Great Are the Myths . . . . I Too Delight” [“Great Are the Myths”]

Leaves of Grass “Great Are the Myths . . . . I Too Delight” [“Great Are the Myths”] Summary & Analysis

Leaves of Grass

Book Brief

Leaves of Grass

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

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