Walt Whitman publishes the first edition of Leaves of Grass

Background. Walt Whitman, an American poet, registered the title Leaves of Grass for copyright in May 1855. He financed the publication himself, having it printed at a local print shop during employees' breaks. The first edition was self-published on July 4, 1855, surprising his brothers with the already-printed book.

Publication. The 1855 edition lacked a table of contents and poem titles. Whitman sent a paper-bound copy to Emerson, who had inspired its creation. The edition was widely distributed and stirred significant interest, in part due to Emerson's praise. Scholars note variations from copy to copy, including a missing final period in "Song of Myself" due to a printing mishap.

Reception. Critical responses focused on what some found offensive sexual themes. The work was described by some as obscene for its overt sensuality. Critic Rufus Wilmot Griswold called it "a mass of stupid filth" in a November 1855 review. Poet John Greenleaf Whittier was said to have thrown his 1855 edition into the fire.