HarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics. I celebrate myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you. First published in 1855, and edited, revised and expanded over thirty years, Leaves of Grass has become one of the most celebrated poetry collections in the history of American literature. A master of free verse, Walt Whitman captures the true spirit of his homeland and its people through his poetry. The poet explores a wide range of themes, encompassing American identity and cultural values, democracy, nature and the mysteries of the human spirit. Published here as the original 1855 edition, Leaves of Grass — once considered controversial — remains an influential work within the American literary tradition, studied and savoured around the world.

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The most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom that America has yet contributed. Inspired by transcendentalism, Whitman's immortal collection includes some of the greatest poems of modern times, including his masterpiece Song of Myself. Shattering standard conventions of symbolism and allegory, it stands as an unabashed celebration of body and nature.