Leaves of Grass - a poetry collection written by the American poet Walt Whitman. Despite the first edition was published in 1855, Whitman continued to write a collection throughout his life, and before his death managed to release several editions.
The collection dedicated to the ascent and admiration of feelings in times when such straightforwardness was considered immoral. When most of the poetry of that time was focused on symbolism and allegories on spiritual and religious themes, the Leaves of Grass (especially the first edition) praised the physical and material world. However, Whitman, following the example of Emerson, who to a degree influenced his poetry, does not diminish the importance of mind and spirit, but rather elevates the human mind and form, considering both of them worthy of poetic praise.
After the publication of the collection, Whitman was dismissed from his job after Foreign Secretary James Harlan read and considered this collection insulting. It is believed that John Whittier burned his copy of the 1855 edition. Rufus Griswold's negative feedback in a row did not cause a delay in release.
In 1955, by the decision of the World Peace Council, the centenary of the publication of the first edition of Leaves of Grass was celebrated.
