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Rating: 
Summary: Best edition of Whitman you could find
Review: Leaving aside, for the moment, a review of Whitman's writing itself, let me say that this edition (by the Library of America series) is the best one out there. I've been hard pressed to find works of Whitman that aren't included in this volume: it has both the 1855 and 1892 editions of Leaves of Grass, complete, and virtually all of his prose. It even includes several important pieces that Whitman didn't add to the final edition of his works during his lifetime. Add to that the fact that these books are well made and wear well with time, and it's definitely worth the slightly higher price (especially with the amazon discount!). Having said that - Whitman's poetry is of course wonderful, and his prose is just as great. A lot of people know about Leaves of Grass...how many, I wonder, have taken the time to read _Specimen Days_ and find out just how great of a writer Whitman really is? This volume is heartily reccomended to give you a great all-around picture of Whitman and his work. If you're coming to Whitman for the first time, a small paperback would probably be the better bet, but if you've gotten that far and want more, this is the only book you'll need.
Rating:
Summary: Best edition of Whitman you could find
Review: Leaving aside, for the moment, a review of Whitman's writing itself, let me say that this edition (by the Library of America series) is the best one out there. I've been hard pressed to find works of Whitman that aren't included in this volume: it has both the 1855 and 1892 editions of Leaves of Grass, complete, and virtually all of his prose. It even includes several important pieces that Whitman didn't add to the final edition of his works during his lifetime. Add to that the fact that these books are well made and wear well with time, and it's definitely worth the slightly higher price (especially with the amazon discount!). Having said that - Whitman's poetry is of course wonderful, and his prose is just as great. A lot of people know about Leaves of Grass...how many, I wonder, have taken the time to read _Specimen Days_ and find out just how great of a writer Whitman really is? This volume is heartily reccomended to give you a great all-around picture of Whitman and his work. If you're coming to Whitman for the first time, a small paperback would probably be the better bet, but if you've gotten that far and want more, this is the only book you'll need.
Rating:
Summary: To understand Whitman is to understand America
Review: This is one of the books that I bought for college that has become a well read favorite and that I think of often. I know that critics object to Whitman's sprawling epic poetry, but it truly captures the spirit of America. This great volume includes the first and last editions of Leaves of Grass. Whitman viewed his poetry collection as something that should grow and change with time. Also included is his memoirs that show the Civil War through the eyes of a northern nurse. This is truly a unique and insightful perspective. His Civil War sensitivity comes across most clearly in the senstitive "O Captain" Whitman's poems capture the momentum of life. No other poem can touch "There was a child went forth" for capturing the spirit of childhood. All stages of life are brilliantly illustrated here. Whitman's life spanned such a unique era of American history and one cannot study the nineteenth century without reading Whitman.
Rating:
Summary: As a young man Emerson, Thoreau and Whitman were my holy
Review: trinity. My debt and appreciation has never diminished to this threesome. In fact, only increases.
The reason that I came across the Library of America series is that after many years of use, my copy of 'Leaves of Grass' was giving way to time. I was looking for a quality hardcover that I would not only use over and over again, but one that looked elegant on my book shelf.
I am completely happy with both the quality of the book: binding, cover, print, paper and compactness as well as the contents. There are volumes of Whitman's written words available, and are worth the owning, but this collection captures his essence, and should go a long way in keeping the lover of 'Leaves of Grass' happy and satisfied.
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