Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman (1819–1892) was an influential American poet, essayist, and journalist, renowned for his groundbreaking work in the collection "Leaves of Grass." Born on May 31, 1819, in West Hills, New York, Whitman grew up in a large working-class family and had limited formal education. He launched his career in journalism, working for various newspapers in New York City and eventually becoming the editor of the Brooklyn Eagle in 1846.

In 1855, Whitman self-published the first edition of "Leaves of Grass," a collection of poems that celebrated democracy, nature, love, and the human spirit. The work was notable for its free verse style and candid subject matter, which challenged traditional poetic forms and themes. Despite initial mixed reviews, Whitman's work gained acclaim for its originality and depth.

During the Civil War, Whitman served as a volunteer nurse in Union hospitals, an experience that profoundly influenced his writing. His later poetry continued to explore themes of individuality, the human body, and the soul's connection to the universe.

Walt Whitman spent his later years in Camden, New Jersey, where he continued to write and revise his works until his death on March 26, 1892. Today, he is celebrated as one of America's greatest and most innovative poets.