Controversial American poet whose experiments in radically new forms of poetry with mystic imagery celebrated his thoughts on man and society. His masterpiece, Leaves of Grass, unconventional in both content and technique, is probably the most influential volume of poems in the history of American literature. Remarkable 6.25 x 9 book photograph of Whitman, wearing a jacket, broad hat and full beard, looking directly at the camera, taken by Frederick Gutekunst of Philadelphia. Signed “Walt Whitman 1882” in blue pencil in the upper right corner. In fine condition. Whitman thought Gutekunst was "on top of the heap" as far as photographers went, and Gutekenst took the last known professional portraits of Whitman. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
