Days with Walt Whitman

Blazed Trail Stories and Stories Of The Wild Life by Stewart Edward White. Thirteen short stories by a popular writer of the early 20th century (not to be confused with an earlier book Blazed Trail). White's books were popular at a time when America was losing its vanishing wilderness. He was a keen observer of the beauties of nature and human nature, yet could render them in a plain-spoken style....

Ulysses S. Grant by Owen Wister. Ulysses S. Grant was the great hero (for the North) in the Civil War and the 18th President of the United States. This short biography is only 145 pages in a little pamphlet size. The author is famous for his stories of the Old West, but he also wrote a substantial body of nonfiction literature. Featured on Days with Walt Whitman. Public-domain recording courtesy o...

Essays, Second Series by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American essayist, philosopher, and poet, best remembered for leading the Transcendentalist movement of the mid 19th century. His teachings directly influenced the growing New Thought movement of the mid 1800s. Featured on Days with Walt Whitman. Public-domain recording courtesy of LibriVox (librivox.org). This episode includ...

Maine Woods by Henry David Thoreau. On August 31, 1846, twenty-nine-year-old Henry David Thoreau left his cabin on Walden Pond to undertake a railroad and steamboat journey to Bangor, Maine, from where he would venture with his Penobscot guide Joe Polis deep into the backwoods of Maine. This account of his expedition, some think, is a profounder exploration of the philosophical themes of the more...

Drum-Taps by Walt Whitman. Drum Taps is the next collection of poems published by Walt Whitman after his famous Leaves of Grass. Despite the miseries of war described, Whitman's poems in Drum Taps assert a steady patriotism in favor of Lincoln's war effort. Interestingly, the 1915 edition used for this reading includes an introduction from the Times Literary Supplement which draws analogies betwee...

Myself and Mine by Walt Whitman. This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for October 12, 2025. ------ This Fortnightly Poem is from the collection, Leaves of Grass. The book represents a celebration of Whitman's philosophy of life and humanity in which he praises nature and the individual's role in it. Rather than dwell on religious or spiritual themes, he focuses primarily on the body and the mat...

Old Man's Thought of School by Walt Whitman. This was the Fortnightly Poetry project for February 12, 2012. Whitman claimed that after years of competing for "the usual rewards", he determined to become a poet. He first experimented with a variety of popular literary genres which appealed to the cultural tastes of the period. As early as 1850, he began writing what would become Leaves of Grass, a...

Song of Myself by Walt Whitman. Walt Whitman's best known poem - a vast and multitudinous celebration of American life in which the 'myself' of the title becomes at one with the universe. 'Song of Myself' was first published in 1855 as part of the collection Leaves of Grass and revised several times for subsequent editions. The version read here appeared as a single poem published in book form by...

Homogenic Love and Its Place in a Free Society by Edward Carpenter. This pamphlet by LGBT pioneer and philosopher Edward Carpenter was originally intended to form part of his work "Love's Coming of Age", but was removed following public discourse on the Oscar Wilde trials of 1895. It was subsequently published privately and circulated among his inner circle. This is Carpenter's first publication o...

Birds of Passage from Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman. Birds of Passage is a set of seven poems which are part of Walt Whitman's collection Leaves of Grass. The poems are full of idealism and hope for the future. Whitman sings of the Universal, an ideal state which will transcend the misery of life on earth, and praises the Pioneers who will create this new world. Featured on Days with Walt Whitma...

O Captain! My Captain! by Walt Whitman. This episode includes AI-generated content.

Towards Democracy by Edward Carpenter. This episode includes AI-generated content.

Long I Thought that Knowledge by Walt Whitman. This episode includes AI-generated content.

"Brief Lives Volume II-John Aubrey" delves into the fascinating biographical sketches of notable figures as chronicled by the 17th-century writer John Aubrey. This collection captures the essence of each subject's life, offering insights into their thoughts and experiences, making it a timeless exploration of human nature and individuality. Aubrey's keen observations and unique style resonate with...

"Aspects Of Love" is an anthology that explores the multifaceted nature of love through a diverse collection of voices and perspectives. This compilation invites listeners to reflect on the enduring power of love, showcasing its ability to inspire, heal, and connect us across time and experience. The themes presented resonate deeply in today's world, where the complexities of relationships continu...

"Into The Valley Of Death" explores the historical events of the Crimean War, focusing on the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaklava, as well as the literary responses from notable figures like Russell, Tennyson, and Kipling. This compilation not only recounts a pivotal moment in military history but also delves into the profound impact of war on society and the human spirit. The themes...

"Shadowland October, 1919-Various" offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in history, capturing the essence of a world in transition. This collection reflects on the complexities of life, culture, and the human experience in the aftermath of the First World War. The themes of resilience, introspection, and the quest for meaning resonate deeply today, reminding us of the enduring nature of the huma...

American Philosophy Collection Vol. 2 brings together a diverse array of philosophical insights from notable thinkers, showcasing the richness and depth of American thought. This collection serves as a vital exploration of ideas that continue to shape our understanding of individuality, democracy, and the human experience. Each piece invites listeners to engage with the philosophical currents that...

"Short Nonfiction Collection, Vol. 066-Various" presents a rich tapestry of thought-provoking essays that explore diverse topics and themes, offering listeners a chance to engage with a variety of voices and ideas. This collection invites reflection on the human experience, capturing the essence of contemporary issues and timeless truths alike. The insights shared within these essays resonate with...

"Short Nonfiction Collection, Vol. 041-Various" presents a diverse array of thought-provoking essays and reflections that invite listeners to engage with a variety of ideas and perspectives. This collection offers a glimpse into the minds of different authors, each contributing unique insights that challenge conventional thinking and inspire critical reflection. The themes explored within these sh...

"Across the Plains in 1844" by Catherine Sager Pringle offers a vivid account of a pioneering journey across the American frontier. As a firsthand narrative, it captures the challenges and triumphs faced by travelers during a transformative period in history. This story resonates today as it reflects themes of resilience, exploration, and the quest for a better life, which continue to inspire mode...

The "Autobiography of George Dewey" offers a personal glimpse into the life of the renowned naval officer who played a pivotal role in the Spanish-American War. Dewey's reflections provide insight into his experiences, leadership, and the challenges he faced during a transformative period in American history. This autobiography remains relevant today as it explores themes of duty, courage, and the...

"Yellowstone National Park Six Early Pieces-Various" offers a rich exploration of the natural beauty and significance of one of America's most treasured landscapes. This collection of early writings captures the awe and wonder that Yellowstone inspires, inviting listeners to reflect on the enduring relationship between humanity and nature. As we navigate contemporary environmental challenges, the...

"Six Years at the Russian Court" by Magaretta Eagar offers a unique glimpse into the opulent and complex world of the Russian court, capturing the intricacies of life among royalty. This memoir provides an intimate perspective on the customs, politics, and personal dynamics that defined an era, making it a fascinating exploration of power and privilege. Eagar's firsthand account resonates today as...

"Easter Mystery Of Jesus Christ; A Miscellany Of Readings, Poems, And Hymn Texts-Various" offers a rich collection of reflections that delve into the profound themes of Easter and the life of Jesus Christ. This compilation of readings, poems, and hymn texts invites listeners to explore the enduring mystery of faith and resurrection, making it a timeless resource for spiritual contemplation. The wo...