In 1855, Walt Whitman published — at his own expense — the first edition of u003ciu003eLeaves of Grassu003c/iu003e, a visionary volume of twelve poems. Showing the influence of a uniquely American form of mysticism known as Transcendentalism, which eschewed the general society and culture of the time, the writing is distinguished by an explosively innovative free verse style and previously unmentionable subject matter. Exalting nature, celebrating the human body, and praising the senses and sexual love, the monumental work was condemned as "immoral." Whitman continued evolving u003ciu003eLeaves of Grassu003c/iu003e despite the controversy, growing his influential work decades after its first appearance by adding new poems with each new printing.u003cbru003eThis edition presents the original twelve poems from Whitman's premier 1855 publication of u003ciu003eLeaves of Grassu003c/iu003e. Included are some of the greatest poems of modern times: "Song of Myself," "I Sing the Body Electric," and "There Was a Child Went Forth," works that continue to upset conventional notions of beauty and originality even today.
