"Exalting nature, celebrating the human body, and praising the senses and sexual love, Leaves of Grass was controversial in its innovative free verse style and its embrace of hitherto unmentionable subjects. Published in 1855 at Walt Whitman's own expense, the monumental work showcases the uniquely American form of mysticism known as Transcendentalism. This hardcover volume presents the original 12 poems and offers readers a beautiful edition of the book that continues to redefine conventional notions of beauty and originality"--