Walt Whitman

Walter Whitman Jr. was an American poet, essayist, and journalist. He is considered one of the most influential poets in American literature. Whitman incorporated both transcendentalism and realism in his writings and is often called the father of free verse. His work was controversial in his time, particularly his 1855 poetry collection Leaves of Grass, which was described by some as obscene for its overt sensuality.

31 May 1819

Born on the same birth day (31 May): David Leigh (scientist) • Don Ameche • Duncan L. Hunter • Hieronymus von Colloredo • Joe Namath • John Young (musician) • Louis Ignarro • Sándor Festetics

Born in the same month (May 1819): Johann Voldemar Jannsen • Queen Victoria • William McMurdo