
The Complete Poems of Walt Whitman
Enriched edition. Leaves of Grass (1855 & 1892 Versions), Old Age Echoes, Uncollected and Rejected PoemsBy Walt WhitmanLength20h 16m
About this audiobook
The Complete Poems of Walt Whitman encompasses the groundbreaking poetry of one of America's most influential authors, showcasing the evolution of his voice across various collections, most notably "Leaves of Grass." Whitman's distinct free verse style, characterized by its rhythmic cadence and expansive themes, defies traditional poetic forms, reflecting the ideals of Romanticism while embedding the principles of Transcendentalism. His work confronts the complexities of existence, nature, democracy, and individualism, making it a definitive reflection of 19th-century American life. This comprehensive compilation invites readers to experience the full spectrum of Whitman's explorations, from sensual celebrations of the body to profound meditations on death and the cosmos. Walt Whitman, born in 1819, was a pivotal figure in American literature whose experiences as a journalist, editor, and nurse during the Civil War deeply informed his approach to poetry. His radical embrace of the self and the collective was a departure from the conventions of his time, echoing the spirit of an emerging nation seeking identity and expression. Whitman sought to create a uniquely American voice that honored the diversity and unity of the human experience, pushing societal boundaries along the way. Readers are encouraged to delve into The Complete Poems of Walt Whitman, which offers not only a treasure trove of poetic brilliance but also a profound exploration of the human spirit. Whether you are a seasoned poetry enthusiast or a newcomer, Whitman's work invites you to reflect on the essential truths of existence, making this collection an indispensable addition to any literary library.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions.
- The Author Biography highlights personal milestones and literary influences that shape the entire body of writing.
- A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader era—social currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation.
- A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists.
- A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different work's strengths.
- Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author's overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts.
- Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection's central themes.
Audiobook details
GenrePoetry
Length20 hrs 16 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 28, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
38A THOUGHT OF COLUMBUS
2Introduction
39AMBITION
3Author Biography
40BLOOD-MONEY
4Historical Context
41RESURGEMUS
5Synopsis (Selection)
42GREAT ARE THE MYTHS
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6The Poetry Collections
43POEM OF REMEMBRANCE FOR A GIRL OR A BOY OF THESE STATES
7Preface
44THINK OF THE SOUL
8Song of Myself (1855)
45RESPONDEZ!
9A Song for Occupations (1855)
46APOSTROPH
10To Think of Time (1855)
47O SUN OF REAL PEACE
11The Sleepers (1855)
48SO FAR AND SO FAR, AND ON TOWARD THE END
12I Sing the Body Electric (1855)
49IN THE NEW GARDEN, IN ALL THE PARTS
13Faces (1855)
50STATES!
14Song of the Answerer (1855)
51LONG I THOUGHT THAT KNOWLEDGE
15Europe the 72d and 73d Years of These States (1855)
52HOURS CONTINUING LONG, SORE AND HEAVY-HEARTED
16A Boston Ballad (1855)
53WHO IS NOW READING THIS?
17There Was a Child Went Forth (1855)
54TO YOU
18Who Learns My Lesson Complete (1855)
55OF THE VISAGES OF THINGS
19Great Are the Myths (1855)
56SAYS
20LEAVES OF GRASS, 1892 (pt. 1)
57DEBRIS
21LEAVES OF GRASS, 1892 (pt. 2)
58THOUGHT
22LEAVES OF GRASS, 1892 (pt. 3)
59SOLID, IRONICAL, ROLLING ORB
23LEAVES OF GRASS, 1892 (pt. 4)
60BATHED IN WAR’S PERFUME
24LEAVES OF GRASS, 1892 (pt. 5)
61NOT MY ENEMIES EVER INVADE ME
25LEAVES OF GRASS, 1892 (pt. 6)
62THIS DAY, O SOUL
26TO SOAR IN FREEDOM AND IN FULLNESS OF POWER
63LESSONS
27THEN SHALL PERCEIVE
64ONE SONG, AMERICA, BEFORE I GO
28THE FEW DROPS KNOWN
65AFTER AN INTERVAL
29ONE THOUGHT EVER AT THE FORE
66THE BEAUTY OF THE SHIP
30WHILE BEHIND ALL FIRM AND ERECT
67TWO RIVULETS
31A KISS TO THE BRIDE
68OR FROM THAT SEA OF TIME
32NAY, TELL ME NOT TO-DAY THE PUBLISH’D SHAME
69FROM MY LAST YEARS
33SUPPLEMENT HOURS
70IN FORMER SONGS
34OF MANY A SMUTCH’D DEED REMINISCENT
71Analysis
35TO BE AT ALL
72Reflection
36DEATH’S VALLEY
73Memorable Quotes
37ON THE SAME PICTURE