With the first publication of "Leaves of Grass" in 1855, Walt Whitman was solidified as an American poet of undeniable importance. The poems contained in that slim volume candidly spoke of politics, slavery, sexuality, consciousness, and the spiritual world. His content was as radical as his form; he utilized free verse unlike anyone before, creating a poetic tongue that was unique and personal yet universal and cosmic. Born in New York in 1819, Whitman...

The author finds miracles everywhere--in nature, on city streets, and at home.

The sentimental value of these letters from Walt Whitman to his mother is increased by our knowledge of her influence upon the poet and his poetry. This influence, emotional and not intellectual, was one of the most important forces of his life. Born in 1793, Louisa Van Velsor, the daughter of a Long Island farmer and his Welsh wife, grew up, as Perry says, almost illiterate. In 1816, Louisa married Walter Whitman, an itinerant carpenter, and settled...

"Winner of the 2009 Honor Book Award, New Jersey Council for the Humanities" Michael Robertson is professor of English at the College of New Jersey. He is the author of the award-winning Stephen Crane, Journalism, and the Making of Modern American Literature and the coeditor of Walt Whitman, Where the Future Becomes Present. Despite his protests, Anne Gilchrist, distinguished woman of letters, moved her entire household from London to Philadelphia...

Analyzes contemporary capitalism through the products of culture and art for fresh insight into emancipatory possibilities concealed within capitalism's darkest dynamics. Aesthetic objects, crafted as poetic reflections of the contradictory worlds that they inhabit, are simultaneously theorized and theorizing. In Capital in the Mirror, eminent critical theorists explore the aesthetic dimension for reflective visions of capital that are difficult...

This compilation of great American poetry contains some of the most fondly remembered works of all time. Representing the earliest days of the Nation through the golden age of the 19th century and up to the present day, this classic collection also includes the lyrics of canonical songs, from "The Star-Spangled Banner" to "This Land is Your Land." Each poet's work is preceded by an introduction.--From publisher description.

"With this fascinating synthesis of word and image, internationally renowned photographer B.A. Van Sise offers a visually stimulating anthology that will enchant lovers of both poetry and photography. At times whimsical, surreal, challenging, enigmatic, joyful and sobering, these portraits--running adjacent to poems by each of their subjects--highlight some of the most influential poets of our time and celebrate creativity as only these poets in collaboration...