In Brooklyn, Walt Whitman, an American poet and literature enthusiast, released the first edition of his groundbreaking poetry collection, 'Leaves of Grass.' The book was significant not just for its content but also for its unconventional mode of publication. Whitman chose to self-publish, funding the project from his own savings and selling the copies directly. This was a radical departure from traditional publishing practices of the era, allowing him far greater creative control over his work. The first edition contained a mere twelve poems, including 'Song of Myself,' which would later become famous for its distinctive style and thematic boldness.

'Leaves of Grass' characterized a shift towards a more democratic and inclusive form of poetry, reflecting a distinctly American voice. Whitman's use of free verse was an innovative choice, breaking away from the metrical constraints that dominated poetry in the 19th century. The content of the poems celebrated the individual spirit and connected the human experience to the vastness of nature and the cosmos. Whitman's themes of sexuality, the body, and transcendentalism were particularly provocative for the time.

The publication of 'Leaves of Grass' garnered mixed reactions. Although it was not widely recognized at first, Whitman distributed copies to friends and influential literary figures, which eventually led to critical attention. Over the years, the work was revised and expanded, but the initial release laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most important works in American literature. It established Whitman as a central figure in the Transcendental and American literary movements, influencing countless poets and writers who followed.