Walt
Whitman

Walt Whitman, born on May 31, 1819, in Huntington, New York, is a monumental figure in American literature, celebrated for his innovative free verse and the seminal poetry collection "Leaves of Grass." His work, blending transcendentalism and realism, was groundbreaking for its time, pushing the boundaries of traditional poetry with themes of democracy, nature, love, and the self. Despite facing controversy, particularly for the sensuality in "Leaves of Grass," Whitman's voice resonated with a spirit of American individualism and inclusivity, making him a father of free verse.

Whitman's life was as textured as his poetry, marked by a blend of personal hardship and literary achievement. Moving from Huntington to Brooklyn at a young age, he left formal education early to work in various roles, including journalism and teaching, before dedicating himself to writing. His experiences during the American Civil War, caring for wounded soldiers and mourning Abraham Lincoln with his poems "O Captain! My Captain!" and "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd," deepened his engagement with the themes of loss and America's national identity. Whitman continued to refine and expand "Leaves of Grass" until his death on March 26, 1892, in Camden, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy that has profoundly shaped American poetry and literature.