He was controversial in his day, with many in the 19th century uncomfortable with what they called the “obscene” sensuality of Leaves of Grass, his poetry masterwork.
Transcendentalist poet Walt Whitman, often called the father of free verse, was one of the most influential American writers. He was controversial in his day, with many in the 19th century uncomfortable with what they called the “obscene” sensuality of Leaves of Grass, his poetry masterwork.