Walt Whitman (1819–1892) was an American poet, essayist and journalist. A
humanist, he was a part of the transition between
transcendentalism and
realism, incorporating both views in his works. Whitman is among the most influential poets in the American canon, often called the father of
free verse. His work was very controversial in its time, particularly his poetry collection
Leaves of Grass (first published in 1855, but continuously revised until Whitman's death), which was described as obscene for its overt sexuality.
Photograph: George C. Cox; restoration: Adam Cuerden
