Leaves of Grass: 1855 Edition

The first edition of Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” was published in 1855. It is said that he wanted the book to be small enough to be carried in a pocket as “that would tend to induce people to take me along with them and read me in the open air.” Included in this edition are twelve of Whitman’s most famous poems, among them being his masterfully composed “Song of Myself “and “I Sing the Body Electric.” In praise of the work, Emerson said, "I find it the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom America has yet contributed.”