Walter Whitman (1819-1892), born in Long Island, New York, spent his early years working for newspapers. In 1849 Whitman left the newspaper business and sustained a book / stationery / printer shop in order to write poetry. In 1855 Whitman published the first edition of "Leaves of Grass".

It consisted of twelve untitled poems, and was limited to 800 copies. Based on years of experience as a journalist, he began promoting his book by publishing positive, unsigned reviews as well as sending copies to the leading literary figures of the day. The book was looked at favorably by transcendentalists, but not well liked by others. He printed a second edition in 1856, with more than 400 pages with several new poems that would become instant classics.

Charles E. Feinberg was an editor Emeritus of the Walt Whitman Quarterly Review.