Walt Whitman

A collection of poems, biographical vignettes, and photographs offers a look at the life and work of Whitman

Grade 5 Up-In this combination of poetry, history, and photography, a dozen selections from Whitman's Leaves of Grass are juxtaposed with brief biographical vignettes. Loewen's text provides a framework for the poetry, which assumes center stage. Each bit of information is set apart by a simple heading that denotes a specific period of the poet's life, e.g., "Childhood," "Education," "Publisher," "Emergence," and "Civil War." Oversized, sepia-toned photographs and reproductions provide visual clues to the experiences that shaped the man. Each poem is artfully positioned (its place in the cycle of Leaves of Grass is noted) and accompanied by a full-color photograph of a leaf or leaves. As readers follow the course of Whitman's life, the foliage evokes images of the bright sunlight and fresh green of spring through the russets and browns of autumn. A carefully crafted volume whose majestic poems, intelligent text, and period illustrations have timeless and ageless appeal.
Joanne Kelleher, Commack Public Library, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.