Walt Whitman (1819-1892) was an influential American poet, essayist, and journalist, best known for his groundbreaking poetry collection Leaves of Grass. Born on May 31, 1819, in West Hills, New York, Whitman was largely self-educated and worked in various trades, including printing, teaching, and journalism. His early experiences with common people and his deep belief in democracy and the human spirit shaped his literary voice. In 1855, Whitman self-published the first edition of Leaves of Grass, a radical collection that broke from traditional poetic form. Written in free verse, the poems celebrated the body, the soul, nature, sexuality, and the American experience. Though initially met with controversy for its candid subject matter, the book earned praise from notable figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson. Whitman continued to revise and expand Leaves of Grass throughout his life, producing multiple editions that reflected his evolving thoughts. The Civil War deeply affected him; he served as a volunteer nurse in army hospitals, experiences that informed his later poetry, such as in Drum-Taps (1865), which captured the human cost of war and national division.

Known for his expansive, inclusive vision, Whitman sought to represent all voices in America. His poetry emphasized unity, individuality, and a spiritual connection to the universe. Despite facing criticism and censorship during his lifetime, his work gained increasing recognition for its originality and humanity. Walt Whitman died on March 26, 1892, in Camden, New Jersey. Today, he is regarded as a foundational figure in American literature, often called the "father of free verse," and his influence can be seen in generations of poets and writers who followed.