Whitman: A Study (ePub)

John Burroughs (1837-1921) was an American naturalist and essayist pivotal in the U.S. conservation movement. His prose blended scientific observation with a philosophic reflection on the natural world, contributing significantly to the genre of nature writing. Burroughs' legacy is vast, including over twenty-five volumes of essays that resonate with a deep veneration for nature. Notably, 'Whitman: A Study', which began as an article in 1895, outstandingly captures Burroughs' critical literary abilities and offers an insightful analysis into the life and poetry of Walt Whitman. A close friend of Whitman, Burroughs provides an intimate perspective on the poet's work, influenced by transcendentalism and imbued with the spirit of democracy. Burroughs' writing style, often likened to his contemporary Henry David Thoreau, effuses a clear, accessible prose, reflecting his belief that literature should be available to the common person. While predominantly recognized for his nature writings, his contribution to literary criticism, as seen in his study on Whitman, underscores Burroughs as a versatile writer whose work continues to be of interest to both literary scholars and environmentalists. In his exploration of Whitman, Burroughs navigates the intersecting paths of humanism, spirituality, and the quintessential American identity that both he and Whitman strived to articulate in their works.