Walt Whitman

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.