Description
Walt Whitman (1819-92) was an American poet, essayist, and journalist. A humanist, he was part of the transition between transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both views in his works, and he is among the most influential poets in the American canon. Some of his work was considered controversial in its time, particularly his poetry collection Leaves of Grass which was described as obscene for its overt sensuality, and his own life came under scutiny for his presumed homosexuality.