Happy July Fourth!!!!!
Cover of the first edition of Leaves of Grass
This week, 157 years ago, Walt Whitman self-published the first edition of Leaves of Grass. The exact day of publication is not certain, but we know that it was released either on or within a few days of July fourth. He would go on to revise and publish the collection of poems a total of eight times between 1855 and 1891.
The collection of poetry, known best for the poem “Song of Myself,” was not warmly accepted in the poetry community; some did not even consider it a book of poetry, denying the collection the title of “literature” because it did not rhyme. Even the praise of Ralph Waldo Emerson could not help Leaves’ sell.
In Leaves of Grass, Whitman did not sign his name. He instead printed this etching on the inside cover.
Overtime, however, and with the addition of Civil War poems featured in Whitman’s Drum Taps, Leaves of Grass gained popularity. The poet himself became quite the celebrity during his life time, affectionately known as the “Good Gray Poet”; however, at heart he still longed to be the voice of the “divine average.”
Today, Leaves of Grass is one of the most celebrated collections of poetry. It is read in countless countries and continues to inspire millions around the world.
To read the various editions of Leaves of Grass, visit the Walt Whitman Archive
The Walt Whitman Birthplace 