Welcome to the Masters of Poetry book series, a selection of the best works by noteworthy authors. Literary critic August Nemo selects the most important writings of each author. A selection based on the author's novels, short stories, letters, essays and biographical texts. Thus providing the reader with an overview of the author's life and work. This edition is dedicated to the American poet, essayist, and journalist, Walt Whitman. A humanist, he was a part of the transition between transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both views in his works. Whitman is among the most influential poets in the American canon, often called the father of free verse. His work was controversial in its time, particularly his poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was described as obscene for its overt sensuality. This book contains the following writings: Biografical: A wordlet about Whitman by Henry A. Beers; Whitman by John Burroughs. Poetry: Leaves of Grass; Drum Taps. Prose: Specimen Days. Tributes by other authors: W. W. by Edmund Clarence Stedman; Walt Whitman by Jaroslav Vrchlický; Sincere Flattery of W. W. by J.K.S. If you appreciate good literature, be sure to check out the other Tacet Books titles!