· An innovative introductory guide to Walt Whitman. · Weaves together the writer’s life with an examination of his works. · Focuses especially on Whitman’s evolving masterpiece . · Examines the material conditions and products of Whitman’s “scripted life”, including his original manuscripts. · Investigates Whitman’s “life in print” – his belief that he could literally embody himself in his books. · Linked to a large electronic archive of Whitman’s work at www.whitmanarchive.org