Walt Whitman

My hand drawn rendering of Walt Whitman. Regarded as one of America’s greatest poets, Walt Whitman joins the ranks of Dante, Shakespeare, Virgil and Homer in terms of artistry and exceptional skill in the written words. One of Whitman’s finest works - Leaves of Grass, published in 1855, featured various themes including friendship, nature, democracy and love. It also presented much praises to the body and soul, as well as discovering reassurance, hope and beauty in death. 

Whitman started his career in Brooklyn, where he pursued a job in the printing industry. As a child, he barely received sufficient formal education. However, this was not a hindrance to his cognitive development since he was rather well-read. At age 12, he was already exposed to the works of famous writers including Shakespeare and Dante. He also read the Bible, which expanded his knowledge not only in literature, but also his faith. 

Throughout his lifetime, he undertook different professions. Whitman was not only a printer, but he was also an editor, schoolteacher and reporter. His passion for writing and poetry motivated him to create and publish his first book entitled “Leaves of Grass”. This book was written with the inspiration he received from Ralph Waldo Emerson and his vast experience during his travels to various parts of the United States. 

Whitman was also deeply affected by the slavery in New Orleans, which he discovered when he got a job as an editor in one of the local newspapers. This inspired him to create more poems that delved into the sufferings of these slaves, which also opened the eyes of his readers. However, his works were also criticized by others who were not quite in favor of his personal thoughts and feelings about this subject matter. 

In 1873, Whitman suffered a stroke that pushed him to remain in Camden, New Jersey. During his funeral, more than 1000 people came and expressed their deep admiration for the poet. His poetry and works endured even after his death, and he was praised for his remarkable talent that influenced other poets of the 20th century such as Allen Ginsberg, William Carlos Williams and D.H Lawrence, to name a few.

$249

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