Leaves of Grass

Leaves of Grass is a groundbreaking collection of poems by American poet Walt Whitman, first published in 1855. Notable for its celebration of the senses and the material world, the work defied the conventions of its time, which often emphasized symbolism and spirituality. Inspired by Ralph Waldo Emerson's call for a uniquely American voice, Whitman continually revised the collection throughout his life, expanding it from 12 poems to nearly 400 in its final edition. The book faced controversy for its candid themes, yet it gained acclaim, including praise from Abraham Lincoln.