In Walt Whitman’s poetry collection “Leaves of Grass,” who is the author?

Walt Whitman is the author of the poetry collection “Leaves of Grass.”

Whitman first published “Leaves of Grass” in 1855, issuing the book himself in Brooklyn. The first edition was a small volume with twelve untitled poems, including the work later known as “Song of Myself.” Whitman’s unconventional free verse and celebration of the individual challenged prevailing poetic styles.

He continued revising and expanding the collection throughout his life. Different editions are often called “Leaves of Grass” editions, and the final authorized version is commonly known as the “deathbed edition,” published in 1892.

Whitman’s poetry is often associated with American democratic ideals, catalogues of people and places, and long, flowing lines. “Leaves of Grass” should not be confused with a single fixed poem: it is a changing collection whose contents and arrangement developed over decades.