Leaves of Grass

by Walt Whitman
Leaves of Grass cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Poetry
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Technical
  • ID: 410
  • Added: 2025-09-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • Publisher: Modern Library
  • Published: 1993-10-12
  • Formats: 250
  • Reviews: 4

Leaves of Grass is a monumental work by Walt Whitman, first published in 1892. This edition contains 383 of Whitman's poems, showcasing his innovative free verse style and expansive themes. The collection is celebrated for its celebration of democracy, nature, love, and the human experience, making it a cornerstone of American literature. Whitman's bold and unconventional approach to poetry challenged traditional forms and paved the way for modern poetry. /n/n The poems in Leaves of Grass explore a wide range of subjects, from the individual's place in society to the beauty of the natural world. Whitman's work is known for its inclusive and democratic spirit, reflecting his belief in the inherent worth of every person. The collection has had a profound influence on subsequent generations of poets and writers, solidifying its status as a classic of world literature.

Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-09-20
inspiring 4.50

Walt Whitman's 'Leaves of Grass' is celebrated for its groundbreaking poetry that captures the essence of life and the universe. The work is praised for its intimate and ecstatic style, celebrating the human body and the beauty of everyday life.

Walt Whitman's 'Leaves of Grass' is a monumental work that has inspired many, including Diane Ackerman. The poetry is noted for its unique style, blending everyday language with profound themes, and celebrating the human experience in all its complexity. Whitman's work is seen as a celebration of life, capturing the beauty of both the mundane and the cosmic. The book's impact is profound, offering a sense of unity and dignity to all aspects of life. It's a work that continues to resonate, offering a timeless exploration of existence and the human spirit.

Quick quotes

    Whitman was the first American poet that the Universe didn't scare.

    He really only wrote one poem. It was the great poem of being, the epic of life in America, in the solar system, in the Milky Way, in the infinite reaches of space.

    A poetry that drastically changed the idiom of poetry by bringing into it all sorts of gorgeous untraditional things like Egyptology, carpentry, opera, Hindu epics — the whole big buzzing confusion of life.

whitmanarchive.org · Unknown · 2025-09-20
brilliant 4.00

Leaves of Grass is a groundbreaking work of American poetry that stands out for its modernity, particularly in its use of free verse and rhythmic emphasis. The book's inclusive vision of America, celebrating people from all walks of life, and its blend of realism and nature-inspired praise make it eerily relevant today.

Leaves of Grass is a remarkable collection of poetry that feels incredibly modern despite being written in 1855. The use of free verse and the emphasis on rhythm set it apart from other works of its time. Whitman's intention to write for and represent all of America, including people from diverse backgrounds and situations, is both ambitious and inclusive. This inclusive vision extends to his detailed lists, reminiscent of Oulipo writers like Georges Perec. The poetry is deeply realistic, drawing from Whitman's experiences as a Civil War volunteer nurse, and it also includes a significant portion dedicated to the praise of nature. The book's themes of inclusivity and realism make it eerily relevant today, offering a powerful and timely message.

Quick quotes

    The most obvious is the free verse, with emphasis on the rhythm of sentences. Not a common thing in 1855.

    His desire of including everyone and every situation brings him to make long lists, which feels close to the Oulipo writers when they try to be exhaustive.

    A blend of realism and nature-inspired praise for an inclusive vision of America. Eerily relevant today.

wordsandpeace.com · Unknown · 2025-02-22
excellent 4.50

The reviewer found 'Leaves of Grass' to be a refreshing and timeless collection of poetry that celebrates nature, love, and the self. They appreciated the freshness of the free verse and the deep, organic beauty of the poems, which they found to be as enjoyable as savoring a cup of coffee.

The reviewer expresses a deep appreciation for 'Leaves of Grass,' highlighting its timeless quality despite being written in 1855. They found the free verse to feel fresh and contemporary, celebrating nature, love, sex, and the self. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the organic beauty of the poems, comparing the experience to savoring a cup of coffee. They were recommended the 1855 version for its unique punctuation, which they felt complemented the text well. The reviewer also mentioned specific lines that resonated with them, such as 'I celebrate myself' and 'I am large.... I contain multitudes.' Overall, they found the collection to be deeply moving and enjoyable.

Quick quotes

    I am the poet of the body And I am the poet of the soul.

    I celebrate myself And what i assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you

    I am large.... I contain multitudes

Reddit - r/Poetry · 2023-01-07
admirable 4.00

The discussion highlights Whitman's aspiration to be the 'bard of America' and his deep connection to nature. Users appreciate the spiritual and uplifting aspects of the poetry.

In this Reddit discussion, users explore the profound impact of 'Leaves of Grass' and Whitman's ambition to be the voice of America. They delve into the spiritual and uplifting themes that pervade the collection, noting how Whitman's connection to nature and divinity is a recurring motif. Participants in the thread share their personal interpretations and experiences with the poetry, often highlighting how Whitman's words resonate with their own sense of wonder and connection to the natural world. The overall sentiment is one of admiration for Whitman's ability to capture the essence of the American spirit and the human experience.

Quick quotes

    Walt Whitman quite explicitly wanted to be the "bard of America", and was inspired by the vastness and diversity of the country.

    The poetry in 'Leaves of Grass' is deeply spiritual and uplifting, connecting the reader to nature and the divine.

    Whitman's words resonate with a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world.

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