Walt Whitman

Known for

Leaves of Grass, free verse, "Song of Myself"

Biography

American poet, essayist and former journalist who broke from traditional rhyme and metre to write in sweeping free verse celebrating democracy, the body and the American self.

A well-known line

"I celebrate myself, and sing myself." (Song of Myself)

Major works

• Leaves of Grass
• Song of Myself
• O Captain! My Captain!