What do you think?
Rate this book
Poems by Walt Whitman
The Everyman's Library Pocket Poets hardcover series is popular for its compact size and reasonable price which does not compromise content. Whitman contains forty-two of the American master's poems, including "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry," "Song of Myself," "I Hear America Singing," "Halcyon Days," and an index of first lines.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1892
1061 people are currently reading
4400 people want to read
About the author
Walt Whitman
1,788 books5,407 followersWalter Whitman Jr. was an American poet, essayist, and journalist. He is considered one of the most influential poets in American literature. Whitman incorporated both transcendentalism and realism in his writings and is often called the father of free verse. His work was controversial in his time, particularly his 1855 poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was described by some as obscene for its overt sensuality.
Whitman was born in Huntington on Long Island, and lived in Brooklyn as a child and through much of his career. At the age of 11, he left formal schooling to go to work. He worked as a journalist, a teacher, and a government clerk. Whitman's major poetry collection, Leaves of Grass, first published in 1855, was financed with his own money and became well known. The work was an attempt to reach out to the common person with an American epic. Whitman continued expanding and revising Leaves of Grass until his death in 1892.
During the American Civil War, he went to Washington, D.C., and worked in hospitals caring for the wounded. His poetry often focused on both loss and healing. On the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, whom Whitman greatly admired, he authored two poems, "O Captain! My Captain!" and "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd", and gave a series of lectures on Lincoln. After suffering a stroke towards the end of his life, Whitman moved to Camden, New Jersey, where his health further declined. When he died at the age of 72, his funeral was a public event.
Whitman's influence on poetry remains strong. Art historian Mary Berenson wrote, "You cannot really understand America without Walt Whitman, without Leaves of Grass... He has expressed that civilization, 'up to date,' as he would say, and no student of the philosophy of history can do without him." Modernist poet Ezra Pound called Whitman "America's poet... He is America."
Whitman was born in Huntington on Long Island, and lived in Brooklyn as a child and through much of his career. At the age of 11, he left formal schooling to go to work. He worked as a journalist, a teacher, and a government clerk. Whitman's major poetry collection, Leaves of Grass, first published in 1855, was financed with his own money and became well known. The work was an attempt to reach out to the common person with an American epic. Whitman continued expanding and revising Leaves of Grass until his death in 1892.
During the American Civil War, he went to Washington, D.C., and worked in hospitals caring for the wounded. His poetry often focused on both loss and healing. On the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, whom Whitman greatly admired, he authored two poems, "O Captain! My Captain!" and "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd", and gave a series of lectures on Lincoln. After suffering a stroke towards the end of his life, Whitman moved to Camden, New Jersey, where his health further declined. When he died at the age of 72, his funeral was a public event.
Whitman's influence on poetry remains strong. Art historian Mary Berenson wrote, "You cannot really understand America without Walt Whitman, without Leaves of Grass... He has expressed that civilization, 'up to date,' as he would say, and no student of the philosophy of history can do without him." Modernist poet Ezra Pound called Whitman "America's poet... He is America."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
October 11, 2019
This edition did not make a good impression
Whitman is one of those authors more heard of and talked about than read. I learned quite a lot about him in both high school and college, but before reading these selections, could not recall a single line of his work. For good reason it seems. Whitman's words which were chosen to be placed at the beginning of this little volume frightened me. Both because they are almost incomprehensible and because there are people of presumed sound mind who profess to understand and enjoy this sort of thing. Though I do not know any of them personally. Or if I do, they have kept quiet about it. One may suppose that this is because I am a Philistine who associates with other Philistines who have no love for or understanding of the poetic art. But among my associates, poetry is occasionally (very occasionally, I admit) quoted and discussed, but never Whitman. Now I remember why.
I will pause to note that this first English edition, prepared by William Michael Rossetti, is said to have been edited to conform with British sensitivities of the day. Perhaps this and the chosen format for the poems may have something to do with the poor impression this volume made upon me. In fairness, once I have recovered from this ordeal, I may try a more highly regarded edition of Whitman. However I am not optimistic. Try these lines from Song of Myself, "Divine am I inside and out, and I make holy whatever I touch or am touch’d from,/ The scent of these arm-pits aroma finer than prayer,/ This head more than churches, bibles, and all the creeds." Really?
Whitman is one of those authors more heard of and talked about than read. I learned quite a lot about him in both high school and college, but before reading these selections, could not recall a single line of his work. For good reason it seems. Whitman's words which were chosen to be placed at the beginning of this little volume frightened me. Both because they are almost incomprehensible and because there are people of presumed sound mind who profess to understand and enjoy this sort of thing. Though I do not know any of them personally. Or if I do, they have kept quiet about it. One may suppose that this is because I am a Philistine who associates with other Philistines who have no love for or understanding of the poetic art. But among my associates, poetry is occasionally (very occasionally, I admit) quoted and discussed, but never Whitman. Now I remember why.
I will pause to note that this first English edition, prepared by William Michael Rossetti, is said to have been edited to conform with British sensitivities of the day. Perhaps this and the chosen format for the poems may have something to do with the poor impression this volume made upon me. In fairness, once I have recovered from this ordeal, I may try a more highly regarded edition of Whitman. However I am not optimistic. Try these lines from Song of Myself, "Divine am I inside and out, and I make holy whatever I touch or am touch’d from,/ The scent of these arm-pits aroma finer than prayer,/ This head more than churches, bibles, and all the creeds." Really?
July 28, 2015
I am not certain whether what I read was "Poems" by Walt Whitman or "A conversation through centuries: How to communicate with a deceased poet"
This is the one book that I would describe as a journey. As I opened it, I was no longer in my room or in the car. I was in an old house, sitting by the fireplace and listening to the ramblings of someone who could have just as well been my grandfather. He was that kind of person who could talk forever. And I wanted him to. But nothing lasts forever and as soon as this poet said his last words, I was back in my room.
How could it all end so soon? It seemed like only minutes ago I had felt his words fueling me with poetry.
To be fair, I don't think he's gone, or that he'll ever be gone.
This is the one book that I would describe as a journey. As I opened it, I was no longer in my room or in the car. I was in an old house, sitting by the fireplace and listening to the ramblings of someone who could have just as well been my grandfather. He was that kind of person who could talk forever. And I wanted him to. But nothing lasts forever and as soon as this poet said his last words, I was back in my room.
How could it all end so soon? It seemed like only minutes ago I had felt his words fueling me with poetry.
To be fair, I don't think he's gone, or that he'll ever be gone.
October 31, 2017
Catching up with the classics #7
RTC
RTC
July 27, 2021
Whitman isn't always my cup of tea. He has a few favorite topics that he loves to hit over and over again, but you can't say he doesn't do it well. It's just that sometimes, moving through this collection, I'll get into a new entry and roll my eyes as he extols his love for American Liberty for the twentieth time.
That being said, the man truly has a way with words, and he doesn't tie himself down to the limitations of rhyme or cadence. This does, however, enable that "rambling" style that he often gets singled out for. It doesn't so much bother me, but it's a flavor not everyone will enjoy.
Some of my noted favorites were: Years of the Unperformed, Song of the Banner at Daybreak, Vigil on the Field, The Dresser, Oh Captain! My Captain!, and Pioneers! Oh Pioneers!
That being said, the man truly has a way with words, and he doesn't tie himself down to the limitations of rhyme or cadence. This does, however, enable that "rambling" style that he often gets singled out for. It doesn't so much bother me, but it's a flavor not everyone will enjoy.
Some of my noted favorites were: Years of the Unperformed, Song of the Banner at Daybreak, Vigil on the Field, The Dresser, Oh Captain! My Captain!, and Pioneers! Oh Pioneers!
Read
August 28, 2017Powerful
Whitman is completely powerful in his words. His words flow like songs and give the soul a lift. Whitman writes "I am a man who, sauntering along, without fully stopping, turns a casual look upon you, and then averts his face, Leaving it to you to prove and define it, Expecting the main things from you." He gives advice to future poets and writers. His words never tire. His words are Always there, precious and lively.
Whitman is completely powerful in his words. His words flow like songs and give the soul a lift. Whitman writes "I am a man who, sauntering along, without fully stopping, turns a casual look upon you, and then averts his face, Leaving it to you to prove and define it, Expecting the main things from you." He gives advice to future poets and writers. His words never tire. His words are Always there, precious and lively.
May 31, 2025
The life-affirming poetry of Whitman is a delightful nectar upon my lips. He is, without a shadow of a doubt, the American poet.
Read
September 10, 2015Out of the rolling ocean the crowd came a drop gently to me,
Whispering, I love you, before long I die,
I have travell’d a long way merely to look on you to touch you,
For I could not die till I once look’d on you,
For I fear’d I might afterward lose you.
Now we have met, we have look’d, we are safe,
Return in peace to the ocean my love,
I too am part of that ocean, my love, we are not so much separated,
Behold the great rondure, the cohesion of all, how perfect!
But as for me, for you, the irresistible sea is to separate us,
As for an hour carrying us diverse, yet cannot carry us diverse forever;
Be not impatient – a little space – know you I salute the air, the ocean and the land,
Every day at sundown for your dear sake, my love.
Whispering, I love you, before long I die,
I have travell’d a long way merely to look on you to touch you,
For I could not die till I once look’d on you,
For I fear’d I might afterward lose you.
Now we have met, we have look’d, we are safe,
Return in peace to the ocean my love,
I too am part of that ocean, my love, we are not so much separated,
Behold the great rondure, the cohesion of all, how perfect!
But as for me, for you, the irresistible sea is to separate us,
As for an hour carrying us diverse, yet cannot carry us diverse forever;
Be not impatient – a little space – know you I salute the air, the ocean and the land,
Every day at sundown for your dear sake, my love.
July 15, 2018
“You have not known what you are—you have slumbered upon yourself all your / life;”
Whitman has a way of just wrapping you up in this beautiful, elegant prose that sounds so nice and feels so good you don’t even think about depth and meaning. But man oh man, diving into the words is so so rewarding. I got a renewed sense of optimism and hope and pride for not only myself and my life but also for this Earth and all people. It’s such an amazing experience - I really felt awakened from from sort of foggy slumber.
“This incredible rush and heat - this strange ecstatic fever of dreams, O years! / Your dreams, O years, how they penetrate through me! (I know not whether I / sleep or wake!)”
Whitman has a way of just wrapping you up in this beautiful, elegant prose that sounds so nice and feels so good you don’t even think about depth and meaning. But man oh man, diving into the words is so so rewarding. I got a renewed sense of optimism and hope and pride for not only myself and my life but also for this Earth and all people. It’s such an amazing experience - I really felt awakened from from sort of foggy slumber.
“This incredible rush and heat - this strange ecstatic fever of dreams, O years! / Your dreams, O years, how they penetrate through me! (I know not whether I / sleep or wake!)”
February 15, 2016
An incredibly annoying 2 stars I had to give this book. In most parts, this collection of poems reads like the incoherent rambles of an old senile man, with the rarest glimpse of sanity and real feeling (eg "Envy" or "Oh Captain, my Captain"). Most poems are just collections of different items on Whitman's mind. Rather than take a select few things to represent a feeling or notion and, through the beauty of poetry, describe the innermost soul of whatever is to be described, he just rattles down all that comes to his mind in connection to what he writes about.
January 9, 2024
I thought I was going to love this, but I really didn’t. Some poems started out okay, but then they got bigger and more expansive and became too much to grasp. Some worthwhile themes were presented, but I didn’t like how they were explored. I just feel a little disappointed. Guess this just wasn’t for me.
June 7, 2016
When you read poems that do not have a cadence, you quickly discover that there is a fine line between poetry and rambling. Sadly, you have a 50/50 shot with this collection of Whitman's "poems".
January 28, 2023
No es esta la compilación que leí pero bueno, pasa (?)
Whitman nos sumerge con su poesía en su particular mirada del mundo, donde priman el amor por la naturaleza, la unión con el otro y la crítica a la guerra. Debo admitir que este libro no fue para mí. No terminó de llegarme y sólo pude destacar un par de líneas de algunos poemas. Es muy intenso (y extenso) para mi gusto, sentí que ciertas partes sobraban. Para conocer su poesía estuvo bien 😊💫 seguiré mi camino de leer compilaciones de poesía
Whitman nos sumerge con su poesía en su particular mirada del mundo, donde priman el amor por la naturaleza, la unión con el otro y la crítica a la guerra. Debo admitir que este libro no fue para mí. No terminó de llegarme y sólo pude destacar un par de líneas de algunos poemas. Es muy intenso (y extenso) para mi gusto, sentí que ciertas partes sobraban. Para conocer su poesía estuvo bien 😊💫 seguiré mi camino de leer compilaciones de poesía
May 29, 2025
What a lovely poet, I simply have no words to describe his unique style but is simply great you totally immerse yourself within the stories he tells in his poems and they are so down to earth but then also so beautiful poetic. Just read it. Had to cut one star as not all the poems got to me but I think thats only fair ^^.
March 10, 2021
I read it and reread it. I feel like I haven't finished it.
April 22, 2024
it is for Walt that i sing and dance around my life. he has given me the words to tell my soul who i am.
July 16, 2018
This was my first experience with Whitman. I really enjoyed it. This particular volume included some of Whitman's more famous works, but not others, so I will likely come back to read Leaves of Grass at some point. Some of my favorites included in this volume were: Starting from Paumanok, Vigil on the Field, The Wounded, Dirge for Two Veterans, Survivors, Centuries Hence, and So Long!.
February 21, 2023
I love Whitman and his poems, but this edition was poorly done in my opinion. There were too many things changed from the original titles and the flow just did not make too much sense. The poems are great, but I rather read the Leaves of Grass than this edition.
May 1, 2013
I guess it's too much for me but I gave it a shot!
August 21, 2014
فواد حداد امريكا ده ولا ايه.. يخرب بيت الصداع
March 9, 2016
There is some truly excellent poetry contained in this collection, as well as some that I could happily do without. Overall, a worthy sampling of Whitman.
January 23, 2016
"Todas las cosas avanzan, nada se destruye, y la muerte no es como se la han imaginado sino màs propicia"
August 14, 2020
Not the best set of Walt Whitman! Some of the poems are very regional it’s a kind of boring for a foreigner.
December 31, 2018
Whitman's words have a way of perfectly encapsulating ones feelings and thoughts. He truly is a master of the written word.
July 14, 2021
"Whitman's poems present no trace of rhyme, save in a couple or so of chance instances. Parts of them, indeed, may be regarded as a warp of prose amid the weft of poetry, such as Shakespeare furnishes the precedent for in drama. Still there is a very powerful and majestic rhythmical sense throughout."
Whitman, Walt. Poems By Walt Whitman (p. 6). Kindle Edition.
Read a poem a day - is in my Todoist.
At 43% in, I cannot take any more of the USA poems, and I am not even up to Leaves of Grass. I am going to skip the section marked 'Chants Democratic' and maybe 'Drum Taps' if it is more of the same American propaganda.
Good lord, how did anyone ever miss that this man is clearly openly positively GAY.
oh, so that's who wrote 'O captain, my captain.'
Given Leaves of Grass is over 600 pages, I assume this is just a sample of some of it? [I love free classic novels, my kindle is stuffed with them, so it is in there somewhere and can wait for another day.]
I think some of it was lovely but other parts were ... not. I think he might appeal more to his brethren, Americans.
3 stars
Whitman, Walt. Poems By Walt Whitman (p. 6). Kindle Edition.
Read a poem a day - is in my Todoist.
At 43% in, I cannot take any more of the USA poems, and I am not even up to Leaves of Grass. I am going to skip the section marked 'Chants Democratic' and maybe 'Drum Taps' if it is more of the same American propaganda.
Good lord, how did anyone ever miss that this man is clearly openly positively GAY.
oh, so that's who wrote 'O captain, my captain.'
Given Leaves of Grass is over 600 pages, I assume this is just a sample of some of it? [I love free classic novels, my kindle is stuffed with them, so it is in there somewhere and can wait for another day.]
I think some of it was lovely but other parts were ... not. I think he might appeal more to his brethren, Americans.
3 stars
March 21, 2025
Se întâmplă câteodată ca "valoarea" unei cărți să depindă mult de latura sentimentală și de modul în care a ajunge în contact cu cititorul.
Iar aici am în față un volumaș de versuri, apărut taman în 1925, FIX acum o sută de ani, la Editura Cvultura Națională (am respectat întru totul grafia) cu o prefață generoasă și cu o calitate ce îl face și mai deosebit. A aparținut mamei.
Iată un scurt fragment din Cumplita îndoială depre lucruri, unul dintre cele mai sensibile poeme:
" Nu pot răspunde întrebării despre lucruri sau despre ființa noastră dincolo de groapă
Însă merg sau șed neturburat - sunt împăcat
Cel care-mi ține mâna mi-a dat liniștea desăvârșită"
Iar aici am în față un volumaș de versuri, apărut taman în 1925, FIX acum o sută de ani, la Editura Cvultura Națională (am respectat întru totul grafia) cu o prefață generoasă și cu o calitate ce îl face și mai deosebit. A aparținut mamei.
Iată un scurt fragment din Cumplita îndoială depre lucruri, unul dintre cele mai sensibile poeme:
" Nu pot răspunde întrebării despre lucruri sau despre ființa noastră dincolo de groapă
Însă merg sau șed neturburat - sunt împăcat
Cel care-mi ține mâna mi-a dat liniștea desăvârșită"
April 7, 2023
...
Me gusta su obra de canto al mío cid y hojas de hierba por qué parece que te conecta con las personas y la naturaleza.
Pero aquí conocemos otra parte de el como la poesía nos cuenta lo que fue en su momento la guerra.
También creo que Whitman tenía una comprensión por el amor más adelantado de su época, si nosotros fuéramos más profundos en esta cuestión no tendríamos el sentido de juzgar sin conocer.
Me gustó pero no creo que es algo que me gustaría guardar.
Me gusta su obra de canto al mío cid y hojas de hierba por qué parece que te conecta con las personas y la naturaleza.
Pero aquí conocemos otra parte de el como la poesía nos cuenta lo que fue en su momento la guerra.
También creo que Whitman tenía una comprensión por el amor más adelantado de su época, si nosotros fuéramos más profundos en esta cuestión no tendríamos el sentido de juzgar sin conocer.
Me gustó pero no creo que es algo que me gustaría guardar.
October 29, 2020
Whitman, my lover of countless generations ago.
Currently reading poetry to educate myself on other genres in literature and I suggest anyone who is interested in spiritual poetic themes should start with Walt Whitman. I read this after Leaves of Grass (although there is a condensed version of that in this selection) and I'm still reeling from his words.
Currently reading poetry to educate myself on other genres in literature and I suggest anyone who is interested in spiritual poetic themes should start with Walt Whitman. I read this after Leaves of Grass (although there is a condensed version of that in this selection) and I'm still reeling from his words.
August 2, 2021
Walt Whitman
Whitman's influence on poetry remain strong. you cannot really understand America without Walt Whitman. Without Leaves of Grass, He has expressed that Civilization quote is up-to-date as you would say, and no student of philosophy of History can do without them. Walt Whitman is America's poet, he is America.
Whitman's influence on poetry remain strong. you cannot really understand America without Walt Whitman. Without Leaves of Grass, He has expressed that Civilization quote is up-to-date as you would say, and no student of philosophy of History can do without them. Walt Whitman is America's poet, he is America.
January 1, 2024
Whitman was really out there condemning slavery, advocating for women's rights, and being a lil gay in the 1800s. Kind of a serve.
he also really really likes to make lists of American states and their topography for some reason.
anyway I still enjoyed I like his style, he's easy to read yet still so profound
he also really really likes to make lists of American states and their topography for some reason.
anyway I still enjoyed I like his style, he's easy to read yet still so profound
March 2, 2025
Simplu, țintit, cântărit, spontan, revoluționar
Și curge, așa cum îmi place
Prefețele incluse mi s-au părut și ele f marcante (note to self intoarce-te la ele pt filosofia artei)
Și curge, așa cum îmi place
Să simți sănătatea, ziua-n amiaza mare, cântecul despre mine când plec dimineața să-mi dau întâlnire cu soarele
Prefețele incluse mi s-au părut și ele f marcante (note to self intoarce-te la ele pt filosofia artei)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews