Leaves of Grass, written by American poet Walt Whitman, was first published in 1855 and continuously revised throughout his lifetime until the final "deathbed edition" in 1892. This groundbreaking poetry collection celebrates democracy, nature, the human body, and the spiritual interconnectedness of all humanity. Through revolutionary free verse that abandoned traditional rhyme and meter, Whitman explores themes of individualism, equality, and the vast American experience. Famous poems include "Song of Myself" and "I Sing the Body Electric." Though initially controversial for its sensual content, the work is now regarded as a cornerstone of American literature, profoundly influencing generations of poets and redefining the possibilities of poetic expression.
