Whitman: Poems (Everyman's Library Pocket Poets Series)

I own about twenty of these handsome, convenient volumes. I choose these books beause they are convenient and give just enough material to whet the appetite for a particular poet, even though they may have hundreds of poems to their credit. If the editing is by Peter Washington, you can't go wrong. This volume has just enough of "Leaves of Grass" and "Song of Myself" in it tocapture a young reader or to keep an older reader in touch with Whitman's voice. I've read this volume several times and never fail to be moved by the work included within. There are hundreds of volumes of Whitman selections available, but this one is a good choice to keep the reader in touch with the "songs of a master" versifier.

Any selection of a great poet is going to leave any fan of that poet disappointed. With Whitman this is complicated by the 1855 LEAVES OF GRASS with the 1891-92 LEAVES OF GRASS. Many prefer the 1855 version of "Song of Myself." This collection uses the 1891-92 versions of the poems. I will confess that I prefer the later versions in almost every instance. For instance, I much prefer the later version of the accounting of the John Paul Jones victory over the British in "Song of Myself" XXXV.The poems that I particularly regretted not being included in this are "Song of the Open Road" and "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer." There are others, but those are two I often read. But to be fair, most of Whitman's great work is contained in two poems, the magisterial "Song of Myself" and the passionate "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry." I've never warmed up to such old chestnuts as "I Hear America Singing" and "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd," but I can and have read "Song of Myself" and "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry" countless times. In fact, the reason I wanted a highly portable, but attractive edition of Whitman's poems was so that I could carry it about with me. One of the few books that I've come very close to wearing out (and I treat my books with great care) is the Library of America edition of Whitman's poetry and prose. But it simply doesn't fit into a messenger bag. This lovely little Everyman edition does.So while this slender little volume doesn't quite have my ideal collection of Whitman's poems, it does at least have the most essential. And the book itself is lovely and inviting. I heartily recommend it to anyone desiring a choice selection of Whitman's poetry to carry with them either into the woods or onto a commuter train.

Either you love Whitman or you hate him. My sister and I love him.

Received the book in good condition

Good condition

I thought it would have more popular poems in it.

Perfect Gift!

Some poems are longer than others, excessively long. But regardless, I still read this every now and then and flip through the pages reading the poetry.

Love this book,it is beautifully presented.

One of my favourite books every so had to buy extra copies for my friends

V pretty

The size is smaller than I expected. It's a much smaller book than I thought. It is a pocket edition alright, not for a book shelf.

C'est necessaire a concentre avec ce poete mais ca vaut le coup!Vous fait penser et reflechir - un livre formidable de poesie