Leaves of Grass (version 2)

Leaves of Grass, first published in 1855 by Walt Whitman, is a groundbreaking collection of poetry that celebrates the body, sensual pleasures, and the material world. Originally starting with 12 unnamed poems, Whitman continually revised the work throughout his life, resulting in a final compilation of around 400 poems divided into 35 books. The collection faced significant controversy for its candid themes, leading to it being labeled as offensive and even banned in some areas, yet it has become a cornerstone of American literature, featuring well-known pieces like 'O Captain! My Captain!' and 'Song of Myself.'