Autobiographical Works (eBook)

Walt Whitman (1819–1892) was an American poet, essayist, and journalist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American literature. His work is noted for its celebration of democracy, nature, love, and friendship, and it has been harnessed by a vast array of readers and critics across the globe. Whitman is best known for his poetry collection 'Leaves of Grass', which he first published in 1855 and continued revising throughout his life. His poetry broke away from the established rules of verse, using free verse instead and crafting a distinctly American voice. His style displayed an impressive directness, expansiveness, and inclusiveness that articulated a vision of the fundamental unity of the self. Whitman's 'Autobiographical Works' give readers insight into the life and mind of a writer whose work reflected the tumult and promise of the 19th-century United States. His writings also delve into his personal philosophies and the experiences that shaped his distinctive literary voice. Through his autobiographical narratives, Whitman allows scholars to explore the interconnections between his life and his groundbreaking poetic endeavors. His works continue to resonate in contemporary literary discourse, influencing generations of poets and thinkers. Whitman's audacious and unapologetically subjective approach to poetry stands as a foundational stone in the edifice of American literature.