Let's discuss "Leaves of Grass: Book IV, Children of Adam" by Walt Whitman

For August, let's discuss Leaves of Grass: Book IV, Children of Adam by Walt Whitman.

Using the Project Gutenberg version, we will read and discuss Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman. We will specifically focus on Book IV, Children of Adam.

Leaves of Grass is a poetry collection by American poet Walt Whitman. Though it was first published in 1855, Whitman spent most of his professional life writing, rewriting, and expanding Leaves of Grass until his death in 1892.

Whitman had worked as a printer and newspaper publisher, and this first edition of his poetry was self-published in every sense of the word. The book was printed at the shop of Whitman’s friends Andrew and Thomas Rome. The poet himself was involved in all aspects of design and production, even helping to set some of the type.

The first edition of Leaves of Grass was, like its author, an oddity in mid-19th century America. Whitman’s name did not appear on the title page; instead his now-famous portrait was featured opposite as a frontispiece.