The Poetry and Prose of Walt Whitman

"A basic edition of the major writings by Walt Whitman and the most significant writings about him, including the complete unabridged text of the standard death-bed version of Leaves of Grass with Whitman's own final revisions and his famous 1855 preface, together with a representative selection of Whitman's most significant prose writings including Specimen Days and Democratic Vistas in their entirety, numerous letters and prefaces--all enhanced and illumuned by a comprehensive selection of early and recent opinion and revaluation by noted critics and interpreters of Whitman's writing and influence together forming a total presentation designed for full understanding and reading enjoyment. This edition contains a new biographical introduction and analytical appraisal by the editor, a chronological chart of Whitman's life and times, selective bibliographies, a number of hitherto unavailable writings by Whitman and about him, and representative tributes and keynotes."--