Walt Whitman

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Walter Whitman (May 31, 1819–March 26, 1892) was an American poet, essayist, journalist, and humanist. Proclaimed the "greatest of all American poets" by many foreign observers a mere four years after his death, he is viewed as the first urban poet. He was a part of the transition between Transcendentalism and Realism, incorporating both views in his works. His works have been translated into more than twenty-five languages.

Whitman may be considered one of the most important poets in the United States history today but he was not at all popular in his time. Leaves of Grass was self-published in 1855 and it did not sell many copies[1]. It took decades before it became appreciated and considered a important piece of literature.

Views on Women

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  Women sit or move to and fro, some old, some young,
  The young are beautiful—but the old are more beautiful than the young.

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Beautiful Women by Walt Whitman


Poetry collections


Notes