About this title: LEAVES OF GRASS, Whitman's monumental and enormously influential book, was his life's work, going through nine different editions from its first publication in 1855 to the famous "deathbed edition" published the year he died (1892). Influenced by Eastern religions, his years as a journalist, the Civil War, 19th-century expansionism, Nature, the theater and opera, and his own liberal sexual attitudes, LEAVES OF GRASS is both a document set firmly in its time and a great transcendent work of art. It is also one of the most popular and accessible books of poems ever written, beloved since its ...
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Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is described below.
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: The Modern library, New York
Date Published: 1946
Description: Very good in very good dust jacket. Very Good, In very good dust jacket. xviii, 410 p., 1 l. col. front. (port. ) plates (part col. ) 19 cm. OCLC number: ocm09156004. read more
Binding: Mass-market paperback
Publisher: Signet Classics
Date Published: 1954
ISBN-13:9780451513953ISBN:0451513959
Description: Fair. No dust jacket as issued. Highlighting/underlining. The cover is well worn and there is highlighting through out the book. Mass market (rack) paperback. Glued binding. Audience: General/trade. read more
Binding: Mass-market paperback
Publisher: Bantam Books
Date Published: 1983
ISBN-13:9780553211160ISBN:0553211161
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. One reading crease on spine. Very minimal edgewear. Text is clean and bright. Binding is tight. Definitely a VG+. Mass market (rack) paperback. Glued binding. 496 p. Bantam Classics. Audience: General/trade. read more
Binding: Mass-market paperback
Publisher: Signet Classics
Date Published: 1954
ISBN-13:9780451524850ISBN:0451524853
Description: Very good. No dust jacket as issued. VERY GOOD, CLEAN AND TIGHT BOOK, book store sticker on cover. Mass market (rack) paperback. Glued binding. 432 p. Audience: General/trade. VERY GOOD, CLEAN AND TIGHT BOOK, book store sticker on cover. paperback-Whitman, Signet Classics, 1980. "As scholarship has made its importance to American letters more manifest, editions of the 1855 version of Whitman's masterpiece have multiplied. This one, prepared in honor of the poem's 150th anniversary, will be hard ... read more
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Bantam Classic & Loveswept, New York, New York, U.S.A.
Date Published: 1991
ISBN-13:9780553211160ISBN:0553211161
Description: Very Good. Mass market paperback in very good shape. read more
"You may like Walt Whitman or you may not, but you can't claim to know American literature if you've never read Whitman. There it is. Get used to it. If it helps any, remember: you only have to do it once. Wear a bib, you won't get any on ya!"
"Leaves of Grass is a classic collection of inspired poetry by one of the most foreword poets of his time. The poetry speaks of Walt Whitman's connection to his fellow man, nature, and to God. It is not to be missed.
Leaves of Grass speaks to the turbulent times in which Whitman lived, being the Civil War era. He speaks out against the horror of war and he embraces the spirit of compassion for his comrades. Yet the book is also a reflection on matters relating largely to uplifting themes. His poetry has evoked thoughts about what is of value within my life. Even though it is the product of another era, it speaks to the timeless values of humankind.
As the author of a spiritually-themed novel, I look for books that provide food for my soul. This is one that certainly hit home for me. It is also a book written by a gay man. Since I am gay myself, I appreciated the affirming nature of Whitman who embraced his sexuality with little judgment. This was a remarkable example which reflected his inner peace during a time when being a homosexual was not accepted.
Whether or not you are a man, woman, gay, or otherwise, this book will speak to you. It will help you to embrace humanity, your spirit, and all of creation
Davis Aujourd'hui, author of "The Misadventures of Sister Mary Olga Fortitude""
"A guide to my rating system ********************************************************************* 5 Stars: This book is a timeless classic and undisputed member of the literary canon. I read and loved it.
4 Stars: This book is a personal classic. A book I am happy to read again and again and think you would enjoy it too.
3 Stars: This is a book I read and thoroughly enjoyed. I recommend only if you are interested in the subject matter.
I do not list books that I would not eagerly pick up and read again, including those in the literary canon. (i.e. Kant, Hobbes, etc). **********************************************************************
This is extraordinary poetry that sings like no other. I keep this by my bedside. I open it from time to time to random things that I highlighted to marvel, to fall asleep on a good note. Other books I keep by my bed are Shakespeare's complete works, Homer, and the Bible.
It is less appreciated that Whitman is the great poet of industrialization and globalization. His songs dedicated to international economic integration made me realize how gifted he is: Whitman makes globalization erotic. Not easy to do, that is for sure.
"This is my new Bible. I can't imagine a spiritual text that better encompasses the joy of existence. I know its roots are in Eastern philosophies and Buddhist teachings, which is fine by me, but it also incorporates those philosophies with the Western experience and introduces an organic and concrete aspect that makes the whole doctrine beautiful and warm and fragrant and REAL. Whitman, you are my hero!"
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