Since 1855, Walt Whitman's 'Song of Myself' has been enjoyed, debated, parodied and imitated by readers, critics and artists crossing national and linguistic boundaries. Many argue that it is the most influential poem ever written by an American. ThisRoutledgeLiterary Sourcebookprovides easy access to: *contextual information, including biographical details and a chronology *an overview of the poem's critical reception and extracts from important criticism, with clear introductory headnotes *key passages from the original 1855 edition, with commentary and annotation *the full 'final' 1881 edition of the poem. Cross-references link the critical, contextual and textual sections and suggestions for further reading complete the volume. Thissourcebookis ideal for readers with no knowledge of the poem, or for those returning anew to a favourite text.