Leaves of Grass
Leaves of Grass
Book Brief
46
Poetry Collection • Nonfiction
1855
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
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.
Contemplative
Inspirational
Emotional
Serene
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
113,935 ratings
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Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read Leaves of Grass?
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.
113,935 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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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."
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46
Poetry Collection • Nonfiction
1855
Adult
18+ years
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