Walt Whitman's spiritual epic

by Michael Robertson

Other authorsWalt Whitman (Author)
Pamphlet, 2008

Status

Available

Call number

CP 395/2

Publication

Wallingford, Pa. : Pendle Hill Publications, 2008.

ISBN

9780875743950

Local notes

Pendle Hill Pamphlet 395

Description

Walt Whitman's celebrated 1855 poem "Song of Myself" was an astonishing new poetic venture in its language and style as well as in the values and spirituality it expressed. The poet, Whitman believed, was to be the high priest of a new, democratic religion. Whitman was inspired by the progressive religious ideals surging through Quakerism and other spiritual movements. Quaker scholar Michael Robertson writes, "This lengthy, brilliant, and endlessly suggestive poem is Whitman's masterpiece, the single greatest poem in American literature, and the starting point for anyone interested in Whitman's religious ideas." With particular attention to the perspectives of Friends, Robertson walks the reader through "Song of Myself," noting its beauties, its challenges, and its deep inspiration.--Publisher's description.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member kaulsu
A very nice short (31 pp) segue into Leaves of Grass/Song of Myself. Robertson adds a biographical dimension to Whitman that makes his phenomenal poem even more interesting. I plan on using this pamphlet as an introduction to the poem for a small group discussion. The pamphlet includes a
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bibliography on "Whitman and Religion," including the author's book, _Worshipping Walt: The Whitman Disciples." Six "discussion questions" included at the end.
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LibraryThing member QuakerReviews
Robertson writes this wonderful pamphlet on Whitman as primarily a religious poet of progressive 19th century religious ideas, and of the 1855 Song of Myself, the "single greatest poem in American literature," as a valuable spiritual resource for 21st century spiritual seekers. It is a "religious
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classic that transcends sectarian creeds and offers a democratic inclusive spirituality." Whitman's poetry was radically innovative in both form and content. Robertson, a Whitman scholar, analyzes the poem as Whitman's spiritual epic, exploring the beauty and immortality of the here and now. The pamphlet is a valuable and wonderful guide to reading the poem.
Robertson also mentions Whitman's various connections to Quakerism.
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Call number

CP 395/2

Barcode

5285
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