Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman (May 31, 1819 – March 26, 1892) was an American poet, essayist, journalist, and humanist born on Long Island, New York. His most famous work is the collection of poetry, Leaves of Grass. Today, Whitman is widely regarded as one of the greatest American poets.

Important events in Whitman's life

• 1819 Was born on May 31.
• 1841 Moves to New York City.
• 1855 Father, Walter, dies. First edition of Leaves of Grass.
• 1862 Visits his brother, George, who was wounded in the Battle of Fredericksburg.
• 1865 Lincoln assassinated. Drum-Taps, Whitman's wartime poetry (later incorporated into Leaves of Grass), published.
• 1871 Stroke. Mother, Louisa, dies.
• 1877 Meets Maurice Bucke
• 1882 Meets Oscar Wilde. Publishes Specimen Days & Collect.
• 1888 Second stroke. Serious illness. Publishes November Boughs.
• 1891 Final edition of Leaves of Grass.
• 1892 Walt Whitman dies, on March 26.