Jean Huets

I was surprised at the content of this book, because it seems as much or more about nineteenth century America, as about Walt Whitman. However, that's not a complaint, because I like this book very much. I like how Whitman's own words and writings are interwoven with the narrative in a way that flows naturally and is very readable. I think it adds to Whitman's story to see him in the context of other writers and people of note, as well as early Long Island, Brooklyn, and other localities. This book was the first time I had read about his brothers and sisters. I wish there had been more about Whitman's work during the Civil War and his thoughts on the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Otherwise, this was pretty close to perfect.… (meer)

In this season of Whitman -with glorious exhibits at the Morgan and the NYPL to celebrate his 200th birthday - it is a delight to read this historical companion that seeks to situate the "good gray poet" among the 19th century realities he wrestled with and wrote out of. I learned and re-learned many things as I perused this handsome volume and was charmed by the presentation itself. Here is a great gift to both casual and committed readers of this most excellent poet. Often I pass books like this on to an eager new reader -but I am going to keep this for a while -at least until Whitman's deep generosity moves my soul to do otherwise.… (meer)