Leaves of Grass

by Walt Whitman Narrated by Ethan Reynolds

Overview

Leaves of Grass is a groundbreaking collection of poems by Walt Whitman, often hailed as the most influential American poet of the 19th century. Known for its unconventional themes and free verse style, the work challenged traditional poetic conventions and established Whitman as a revolutionary figure in American literature.

At the heart of Leaves of Grass is a celebration of the individual, the body, and the natural world. Whitman's poetry often explores themes of democracy, equality, and the interconnectedness of all things. The collection is filled with vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and a sense of boundless optimism.

One of the most striking aspects of Leaves of Grass is Whitman's use of free verse. By abandoning traditional poetic structures, he was able to capture the rhythm and cadence of everyday speech. This innovation allowed him to express his ideas with greater freedom and spontaneity

Editorial Reviews

Booknews

A selection of the writings of Whitman from the volumes , , , , , , , , , , , , and others. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

From the Publisher

Whitman, the great poet, has meant so much to me. Whitman the one man breaking a way ahead. Whitman the one pioneer… Ahead of Whitman, nothing. Ahead of all poets, pioneering into the wilderness of unopened life, Whitman. Beyond him, none.” —D.H. Lawrence

Product Details

BN ID:	2940190908534
Publisher:	Robert Larson
Publication date:	09/11/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

Read an Excerpt

One's Self I Sing

One's-Self I sing, a simple separate person,
Yet utter the word Democratic, the word En-Masse.

Of physiology from top to toe I sing,
Not physiognomy alone nor brain alone is worthy for the Muse, I say the Form complete is worthier far,
The Female equally with the Male I sing.

Of Life immense in passion, pulse, and power,
Cheerful, for freest action form'd under the laws divine,
The Modern Man I sing.

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As I Ponder'd in Silence

As I ponder'd in silence,
Returning upon my poems, considering, lingering long,
A Phantom arose before me with distrustful aspect,
Terrible in beauty, age, and power,
The genius of poets of old lands,
As to me directing like flame its eyes,
With finger pointing to many immortal songs,
And menacing voice, What singest thou? it said,
Know'st thou not there is hut one theme for ever-enduring bards?
And that is the theme of War, the fortune of battles,
The making of perfect soldiers.

Be it so, then I answer'd.
I too haughty Shade also sing war, and a longer and greater one than any,
Waged in my book with varying fortune, with flight, advance and retreat, victory deferr'd and wavering,
(Yet methinks certain, or as good as certain, at the last,) the field the world,
For life and death., for the Body and for the eternal Soul,
Lo, I too am come, chanting the chant of battles,
I above all promote brave soldiers.

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