Walt Whitman (Literary Greats) [Library Binding]

Milton Meltzer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2002 | Series: Literary Greats

A biography of the nineteenth-century poet, which presents his life in the context of his times, and includes samples of his writing.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 & Up--Meltzer follows his well-received biography of Carl Sandburg (21st Century, 1999) with this book about another American icon. Along with the facts of Whitman's life and some discussion of his work, this well-crafted and solidly researched title offers background on the political and social timbre of the tumultuous times in which the man lived. Whitman was more than a poet; he was a player on the stage of American history. He nursed wounded Civil War soldiers, was praised by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Oscar Wilde, was a fierce debater, and, while living in Washington, DC, saw President Lincoln almost daily in the street. Many black-and-white photographs, reproductions, and facsimiles of Whitman's work with his notations are included. Mint-green type offsets the chapter headings, and page numbers and wide margins provide ease of reading. The list of further reading includes modern Whitman editions, works about him, and recommended Web sites. Catherine Reef's excellent Walt Whitman (Clarion, 1995) integrates more poetry into his life story. Both titles are examples of the best of the genre; libraries would do well to own a copy of each of them.
Jane Halsall, McHenry Public Library District, IL
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-12. An award-winning writer turns his attention to thepolitically astute, fervently original poet Walt Whitman. Meltzerreconstructs Whitman's childhood with a moody, indifferent father anda mother whom he adored, and reprises some of the jobs that Whitmanheld, including his work in journalism, which led to someless-than-honorable ploys (he once ghost-wrote a piece praising thebrilliance of Leaves of Grass). Meltzer also mentions Whitman'sconnection to Lincoln, which inspired the popular "O Captain! MyCaptain!" (which Whitman hated). Integration of Whitman's familiarworks and his personal, sometimes secretive experiences--his shiftingpolitical allegiances and rumors about his sexuality--lends substanceto this solid, well-written biography of a poet who is often said tohave secured his place in literary history with just one work. Thereare no footnotes, but Meltzer has included an extensive list offurther readings, a list of Web sites, and a time line. ((ReviewedApril 1, 2002))Roger Leslie
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Library Binding: 160 pages
• Publisher: 21st Century (April 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761322728
• ISBN-13: 978-0761322726
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,569,772 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As good as it gets!, April 25, 2007

By 

William Massey (Memphis, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Walt Whitman (Literary Greats) (Library Binding)

A remarkable book. The scholarship, writing, editing and

production values are of top quality.

A wonderful addition to anyone's library!.