Watch In Search of Walt Whitman - The Early Years (1819–1860) for free

This captivating documentary chronicles the extraordinary life of Walt Whitman (1819-1892), the tumultuous era in which he lived, and the timeless poetry he crafted. Blending narration, dramatic readings, evocative period music, expert insights, and photography filmed in key locations, the film vividly brings to life Whitman’s distinctive character and his groundbreaking work. The program follows Whitman’s journey from a humble childhood in Long Island and Brooklyn to penning Leaves of Grass in 1855, a work that would revolutionize poetry. Through profiles of his most famous poems, the documentary delves into the mystery of how this seemingly ordinary man, with minimal formal education or training, created a literary masterpiece that would forever change the course of literature.