Born in the U.S.A. (Bruce Springsteen)

History's Best Selling Books of 1855

1. Leaves of Grass

   Released in 1855 by Walt Whitman, Self-published

   The publication of 'Leaves of Grass' in 1855 stands as a monumental moment in American literary history, marking a radical departure from conventional poetic forms and themes. Walt Whitman's audacious collection emerged into a nation grappling with its identity, on the precipice of civil war, offering a vision of radical democracy, selfhood, and universal brotherhood. Its unprecedented use of free verse, its frank embrace of the human body and sexuality, and its expansive, inclusive vision of America immediately set it apart, challenging prevailing Victorian sensibilities and traditional poetic structures. This seminal work laid the groundwork for modern American poetry and continues to resonate deeply with its powerful declaration of individuality and interconnectedness.