To mark 160 years since its first publication, a new edition of the
great American poet's most famous work
Do I contradict myself?
Very well then I contradict myself.
(I am large, I contain multitudes.)
Abundant, ecstatic, generous, courageous--this is the first American
epic poem, a celebration of selfhood and a catalogue of 19th-century
American life of all ages and races. Revolutionary in style and
controversial in content when it was first published in 1855, Whitman's
masterwork has since inspired generations with its intoxicating rhythms
and images, and its inclusive, praiseful joy.