Poet

Walt Whitman

Walter Whitman Jr. was an influential American poet, essayist and journalist who bridged transcendentalism and realism through his works, earning him the title of father of free verse.

Walt Whitman
Age
72
Birth Date
May 31, 1819
Death Date
3/26/1892
Life Range
(1819-1892)
Zodiac
Gemini
Born
United States

About

Walt Whitman is an iconic American poet, essayist, journalist, and humanist. His renowned works, such as Leaves of Grass, are praised for their unique style of versifying which has become known as the "American idiom." Whitman's thoughtful writing and devotion to honoring the common man revolutionized the American poetry tradition.

Walt Whitman Timeline

1819
Walt Whitman is Born
On May 31, 1819, Walter "Walt" Whitman was born in West Hills, New York.
1842
First Novel Published
Whitman published his first novel, "Franklin Evans", a temperance novel.
1855
"Leaves of Grass" Published
Whitman self-published his collection of poems, "Leaves of Grass", which he would continue to revise and expand throughout his life.
1862
Becomes a Civil War Nurse
Whitman volunteered as a nurse during the Civil War, an experience that deeply affected him and influenced much of his later work.
1873
Suffers a Stroke
Whitman suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and forced him to retire from public life.
1881
"Leaves of Grass" Final Edition
The final edition of "Leaves of Grass" was published. It contained nearly 400 poems across 383 pages.
1892
Walt Whitman Passes Away
On March 26, 1892, Walt Whitman passed away in Camden, New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Walt Whitman birthday?

Walt Whitman, renowned American poet and journalist, was born on May 31, 1819 and died on March 26, 1892 at the age of 72. He is best known for his innovative poetry collections that are often considered to be part of the American Romantic Movement. His most famous anthology is the groundbreaking work, Leaves of Grass.