Leaves of Grass

1855 Edition

By: Walt Whitman

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

In 1855, Walt Whitman published, at his own expense, the first edition of Leaves of Grass, a visionary volume of 12 poems. Showing the influence of a uniquely American form of mysticism known as Transcendentalism, the writing is distinguished by an explosively innovative free-verse style and previously unmentionable subject matter.

Exalting nature, celebrating the human body, and praising the senses and sexual love, this monumental work, now a classic of American poetry, was condemned as immoral upon publication.

Included in this edition are some of the greatest poems of modern times, works that continue to upset conventional notions of beauty and originality even today.

Public Domain (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

WHITMAN'S MASTERWORK

“Leaves of Grass” is perfectly rendered by Edoardo Ballerini. Walt Whitman’s masterpiece shines in Ballerini’s narration. Whitman lived in one of America’s most tumultuous times. He lived through the civil war and assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Despite the horrors of that time, Whitman celebrated life. Today is a good time to listen to Whitman’s masterwork.

Magnificent

The entire collection holds such wealth of beauty, wisdom, and insight. To have been written so long ago, the power of these words has not dwindled. While there are a few lulls in the reverie, the preface and Song of Myself are alone tantamount contributions to poetry. First, the best summation of what Poetry's purpose is and what it is supposed to be, and then the finest example of a poem you could ever imagine. Whitman was an original.

Beautiful, But Trite

Beautiful, powerful words so very worth reading! Unfortunately, it’s hard not struggle with some of the archaic views on gender roles, even accounting for the time in which this was written.

No Less than the journeys work of the stars.

This is a very well presented timeless work of artistic beauty. Could only be self published when completed because of the free verse and free thought and would be no less difficult to publish today for the same reasons. It is now an accepted masterpiece but will be difficult still for much of society to grasp or appreciate. The poetic spirit at its best.

password “primaeval”

I first read Walt Whitman nearly fifty years ago; his optimism has fueled mine ever since.
Now, I hear Edoardo Ballerini nearly sing the poet’s verse. Glorious!
I shall listen again and again.