Walt Whitman: A Life

By Kaplan Justin and Justin Kaplan

Book Overview

"Whitman emerges from this biography alive and kicking--hugely human, enormously attractive." --Newsweek

A moving, penetrating, sharply focused portrait of America's greatest poet--his genius, his passions, his androgynous sensibility--an exuberant life entwined with the turbulent history of mid-nineteenth century America. In vivid detail, Justin Kaplan, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, examines the mysterious selves of this enigmatic man whose bold voice of joy and sexual liberation embraced a growing nation...and exposes the quintessential Whitman, that perfect poet whose astonishing verse made "words sing, dance, kiss, copulate" for an entire world to hear.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060535113
• ISBN13: 9780060535117
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 1.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

whitman revealed

There isn't much by way of analysis of the poems, but there is a trove of information about Whitman the poet and enigmatic man.

Walt Whitman's Life and Work Considered in the 21st Century.

When I was young, I was told that Walt Whitman was a marvelous poet. I read some parts of Leaves of Grass but I was not impressed. Now, when I am old,I have recently met a young poet who thinks highly of Whitman as the Father of Modern American Poetry. Therefore, I decided to try him again. I bought a copy of Leaves of Grass with an introduction by Justin Kaplan. First I read Kaplan's introduction; then I read Leaves of Grass four times. After the second reading, I finally 'got it'. Then I wanted to learn more about Whitman so I sent for Kaplan's biography of Whitman. I found this biography answered many questions I had about Whitman's life. Kaplan's writing is very accessible and extremely informative. He cites contemporary sources for facts about Whitman's life. I would recommend this book highly to anyone who wants to know more about Walt Whitman. (I just hope my review comes through cyberspace intact. This space keeps cutting off the ends of words.)