Leaves of Grass

HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey work of the stars… First published in 1855, and edited, revised and expanded over thirty years, ‘Leaves of Grass’ has become one of the most celebrated poetry collections in the history of American literature. A master of free verse, Walt Whitman captures the true spirit of his homeland and its people through his poetry. He explores a wide range of themes, encompassing American identity and cultural values, democracy, nature and the mysteries of the human spirit. Featuring the poems of the original 1855 edition, ‘Leaves of Grass’ remains an influential work within the American literary tradition, studied and treasured around the world.

‘I greet you at the beginning of a great career.’ Letter from Ralph Waldo Emerson to Walt Whitman, 1855 ‘The most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom that America has yet contributed.’ Ralph Waldo Emerson ‘America's poet… He is America.’ Ezra Pound ‘If you are American, then Walt Whitman is your imaginative father and mother, even if, like myself, you have never composed a line of verse.’ Harold Bloom, literary critic

Walt Whitman (1819–92) was an influential American poet and essayist, and is credited with being the founding father of free verse. He first published his culturally significant poetry collection ‘Leaves of Grass’ in 1855 from his own pocket, and revised and expanded it over thirty years. It is an essential element of America’s literary tradition, much taught in schools and universities around the world.