# Leaves of Grass

> expansive Walt Whitman poetry collection

**Wikidata**: [Q132042](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q132042)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaves_of_Grass)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/leaves-of-grass

## Summary
*Leaves of Grass* is an expansive poetry collection by Walt Whitman, first published in 1855. It is a foundational work of American literature, known for its democratic and democratic ideals, and its celebration of individualism and the American experience.

## Key Facts
- **Literary work**: A collection of poetry, written for enjoyment or edification.
- **Genre**: Poetry, characterized by strong expressiveness of words.
- **Author**: Walt Whitman, an American poet, essayist, and journalist (1819–1892).
- **Publication date**: 1855.
- **Country of origin**: United States.
- **Notable poem**: *Song of Myself*, included in the collection.
- **Wikidata description**: An expansive Walt Whitman poetry collection.
- **Sitelink count**: 35 (indicating its prominence in online references).

## FAQs
- **What is *Leaves of Grass*?**
  *Leaves of Grass* is a major poetry collection by Walt Whitman, first published in 1855, known for its democratic themes and celebration of individualism.

- **Who wrote *Leaves of Grass*?**
  The collection was written by Walt Whitman, an American poet, essayist, and journalist, active from 1819 to 1892.

- **When was *Leaves of Grass* published?**
  The first edition of *Leaves of Grass* was published in 1855.

- **What genre is *Leaves of Grass*?**
  It is a poetry collection, characterized by strong expressiveness of words.

- **What is the significance of *Song of Myself* in *Leaves of Grass*?**
  *Song of Myself* is a notable poem within the collection, reflecting Whitman’s democratic and democratic ideals.

- **Where was *Leaves of Grass* published?**
  The collection was published in the United States, reflecting its themes of American identity and experience.

## Why It Matters
*Leaves of Grass* is a cornerstone of American literature, influencing generations of poets and writers. It championed individualism, democracy, and the celebration of the self, shaping the literary landscape of the 19th century and beyond. Its expansive and inclusive style set a precedent for modern poetry, emphasizing the diversity and unity of human experience.

## Notable For
- Being the first major poetry collection to embrace democratic and democratic ideals.
- Including the iconic poem *Song of Myself*, which became a symbol of self-expression and individualism.
- Establishing Whitman as a leading figure in American literature.
- Reflecting the cultural and social changes of the mid-19th century in the United States.

## Body
### History
*Leaves of Grass* was first published in 1855, marking a significant moment in American literary history. Whitman, a former journalist and essayist, compiled the collection over several years, drawing from his experiences and observations. The work’s democratic themes and celebration of individualism set it apart from traditional poetry of the time.

### Literary Significance
The collection is renowned for its expansive and inclusive style, breaking from the formal structures of earlier poetry. Whitman’s use of free verse and his emphasis on the individual as a central figure in the American experience influenced later poets, including T.S. Eliot and Langston Hughes.

### Notable Works
*Song of Myself*, a central poem in *Leaves of Grass*, encapsulates Whitman’s philosophy of self-reliance and democratic ideals. The collection also includes other notable poems that explore themes of nature, humanity, and the American landscape.

### Influence and Legacy
*Leaves of Grass* has had a profound impact on literature, inspiring movements in poetry and shaping the way writers approach the self and society. Its themes of individualism and democracy continue to resonate in contemporary literary discussions.

### Related Entities
- **Walt Whitman**: The author, known for his contributions to American poetry and journalism.
- **United States**: The country of origin, reflecting the collection’s themes of national identity.
- **Poetry**: The genre, characterized by strong expressiveness of words.
- **Literary work**: The classification, emphasizing its role as a written work for enjoyment or edification.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. MusicBrainz
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Goodreads