Walt Whitman: The Measure of His Song

by Jim Perlman (Editor), Ed Folsom (Editor), Dan Campion (Editor)

First published to wide critical acclaim in 1981, this revised and expanded monumental anthology charts the ongoing American and international response to the legacy of the seminal poet Walt Whitman (1819-1892). Beginning with Ralph Waldo Emerson's famous 1855 letter ("I greet you at the beginning of a great career..."), this new edition contains responses from Thoreau, Pound, Lawrence, Neruda, Borges, Ginsberg, Jordan, Duncan, Le Sueur, Rich, Snyder and Alexie, among many others.

"I know of no more convincing proof of Walt Whitman's impact upon the poetic mind (both at home and abroad) than this collection of tributes by poets -- in prose and verse" -- Gay Wilson Allen, The Solitary Singer.

Includes 17 black & white photos.

Genres: Poetry

454 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really nice collection of essays from 1855 to the present from various poets and scholars about Whitman's poetry. The general theme of the essays is the impact Whitman has had on the development of American poetry as well as some personal stories of how poets continue to dialogue with Whitman. If you're somewhat familiar with Whitman, this collection in a joy to read. Not too technical and very readable. Makes me want to explore more of Whitman beyond his primary masterpieces.

[Gerry LaFemina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of essays and poems in which poets starting from his peers respond to Whitman's work is compelling in the way it shows both the range and width of the good, gray poet's influence, but also the variety of responses. Among the essays, in particular, are a lot of nuggets of smart poetic insight, not just about Whitman but about poetry. Still, some of the pieces get bogged down in the egos of the writers--losing sight of WW as it becomes about themselves. Fortunately, this doesn't happen often...

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of essays about/for/to Walt Whitman. Great companion literature for the study of Whitman.