Author Description

This book covers all phases of Whitman studies. Chapter I traces the growth of biography from O'Çonnor to Canby. Chapter II contains the most complete account of the growth of Leaves of Grass so far published. Chapters III and IV not only define and illustrate Whitman's ideas, but also demonstrate that Whitman was more consistent in his thinking than is generally believed. Chapter V reveals how the literary technique grew out of the poet's "purports and facts and is the analogy of them." The final chapter should open up a new field for literary research in America.