
The Complete Poems of Walt Whitman
Enriched edition. Leaves of Grass (1855 & 1892 Versions), Old Age Echoes, Uncollected and Rejected PoemsBy Walt WhitmanLength19h 40m
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
Length19 hrs 40 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 28, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
39ON THE SAME PICTURE
2Introduction
40A THOUGHT OF COLUMBUS
3Author Biography
41UNCOLLECTED AND REJECTED POEMS
4Historical Context
42AMBITION
5Synopsis (Selection)
43BLOOD-MONEY
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6The Poetry Collections
44RESURGEMUS
7LEAVES OF GRASS, 1855
45GREAT ARE THE MYTHS
8Preface
46POEM OF REMEMBRANCE FOR A GIRL OR A BOY OF THESE STATES
9Song of Myself (1855)
47THINK OF THE SOUL
10A Song for Occupations (1855)
48RESPONDEZ!
11To Think of Time (1855)
49APOSTROPH
12The Sleepers (1855)
50O SUN OF REAL PEACE
13I Sing the Body Electric (1855)
51SO FAR AND SO FAR, AND ON TOWARD THE END
14Faces (1855)
52IN THE NEW GARDEN, IN ALL THE PARTS
15Song of the Answerer (1855)
53STATES!
16Europe the 72d and 73d Years of These States (1855)
54LONG I THOUGHT THAT KNOWLEDGE
17A Boston Ballad (1855)
55HOURS CONTINUING LONG, SORE AND HEAVY-HEARTED
18There Was a Child Went Forth (1855)
56WHO IS NOW READING THIS?
19Who Learns My Lesson Complete (1855)
57TO YOU
20Great Are the Myths (1855)
58OF THE VISAGES OF THINGS
21LEAVES OF GRASS, 1892 (pt. 1)
59SAYS
22LEAVES OF GRASS, 1892 (pt. 2)
60DEBRIS
23LEAVES OF GRASS, 1892 (pt. 3)
61THOUGHT
24LEAVES OF GRASS, 1892 (pt. 4)
62SOLID, IRONICAL, ROLLING ORB
25LEAVES OF GRASS, 1892 (pt. 5)
63BATHED IN WAR’S PERFUME
26LEAVES OF GRASS, 1892 (pt. 6)
64NOT MY ENEMIES EVER INVADE ME
27OLD AGE ECHOES
65THIS DAY, O SOUL
28TO SOAR IN FREEDOM AND IN FULLNESS OF POWER
66LESSONS
29THEN SHALL PERCEIVE
67ONE SONG, AMERICA, BEFORE I GO
30THE FEW DROPS KNOWN
68AFTER AN INTERVAL
31ONE THOUGHT EVER AT THE FORE
69THE BEAUTY OF THE SHIP
32WHILE BEHIND ALL FIRM AND ERECT
70TWO RIVULETS
33A KISS TO THE BRIDE
71OR FROM THAT SEA OF TIME
34NAY, TELL ME NOT TO-DAY THE PUBLISH’D SHAME
72FROM MY LAST YEARS
35SUPPLEMENT HOURS
73IN FORMER SONGS
36OF MANY A SMUTCH’D DEED REMINISCENT
74Analysis
37TO BE AT ALL
75Reflection
38DEATH’S VALLEY
76Memorable Quotes