Big Apple History . Arts and Entertainment . Leaves of Grass is Published


	Walt Whitman

In 1855, Walt Whitman self-published the first version of his epic poem "Leaves of Grass." It was a work in progress. Whitman added verses up to his death in 1892. The poems were a celebration of America. In several verses -- like "Mannahatta" -- he celebrated New York:

I was asking for something specific and perfect for my city, Whereupon, lo! upsprang the aboriginal name!. . .

Because I see that word nested in nests of water-bays, superb, with tall and wonderful spires,

Rich, hemm'd thick all around with sailships and steamships -- an island sixteen miles long, solid-founded,

Numberless crowded streets -- high growths of iron, slender, strong, light, splendidly uprising toward clear skies. . .

People, endless, streaming, with strong voices, passions, pageants; Manhattan streets, with their powerful throbs, with the beating drums, as now;

from "Mannahatta," LEAVES OF GRASS


The frontispiece of LEAVES OF GRASS.

The endless and noisy chorus, the rustle and clank of muskets, (even the sight of the wounded;)

Manhattan crowds, with their turbulent musical chorus--with varied chorus, and light of the sparkling eyes;

Manhattan faces and eyes forever for me.

from "Give Me the Splendid Silent Sun," LEAVES OF GRASS

Illustrations: from the frontispiece of LEAVES OF GRASS, first edition, courtesy of the Library of Congress.