Poetry · Classics
Leaves of Grass: The First (1855) Edition
The first edition of Whitman's landmark poetry collection, published in 1855, with a long preface and twelve untitled poems, including the one later called Song of Myself. It celebrates the self, the body, nature and democracy in free verse.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1855
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 196
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want to read the raw, original version of a foundational work of American poetry.
Skip this if you prefer rhymed or tightly structured verse, or want the later, expanded editions.
The feel
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Quick answers about Leaves of Grass: The First (1855) Edition
- What is Leaves of Grass: The First (1855) Edition about?
- The first edition of Whitman's landmark poetry collection, published in 1855, with a long preface and twelve untitled poems, including the one later called Song of Myself. It celebrates the self, the body, nature and democracy in free verse.
- Who should read Leaves of Grass: The First (1855) Edition?
- Read it if you want to read the raw, original version of a foundational work of American poetry. Skip it if you prefer rhymed or tightly structured verse, or want the later, expanded editions.
- How long and how fast is Leaves of Grass: The First (1855) Edition?
- It is a slow-paced, short read of about 196 pages, first published in 1855.
- Does Leaves of Grass: The First (1855) Edition have content warnings?
- We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
- Can I borrow Leaves of Grass: The First (1855) Edition for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Leaves of Grass: The First (1855) Edition; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
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| Audiobook | ||
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