Biography
Walt Whitman, often hailed as the 'Bard of Democracy' and the father of free verse, was an American poet, essayist, and journalist born on May 31, 1819, in West Hills, Long Island, New York. He was the second of nine children in a working-class family. Whitman's upbringing was modest, and his formal education was limited, but he developed a deep love for literature and learning from an early age.
Whitman's family faced financial struggles, and he had to leave school at the age of 11 to help support them. Despite the lack of formal education, he continued his self-directed learning, voraciously reading works in his local library. This autodidactic approach played a significant role in shaping his unique perspective and literary style.
In his late teens, Whitman worked as a printer, journalist, and teacher. He explored various career paths, including journalism and typesetting. His experiences in these fields exposed him to the diverse voices and stories of American society,
Whitman's family faced financial struggles, and he had to leave school at the age of 11 to help support them. Despite the lack of formal education, he continued his self-directed learning, voraciously reading works in his local library. This autodidactic approach played a significant role in shaping his unique perspective and literary style.
In his late teens, Whitman worked as a printer, journalist, and teacher. He explored various career paths, including journalism and typesetting. His experiences in these fields exposed him to the diverse voices and stories of American society,
Birth — 1819
Death — 1892
Questions, Corrections & New Information
Ask a question or share a correction, source, or new detail about Walt WHITMAN.
When possible, include names, dates, places, and sources so the information is easier to verify.