In honor of Walt Whitman’s birthday, May 31, 1819, read “Our Sly Progenitor,” a new essay by Academy Chancellor Mark Doty on Whitman’s relationship with the reader, his slyness, and his humor. The first publication of Leaves of Grass was 160 years ago. Read selections from the book here:
“I Sing the Body Electric”
“America”
“On the Beach at Night Alone”
“Whoever You Are Holding Me Now in Hand”
“To You”