Walt Whitman was an American poet, essayist, and journalist, born on May 31, 1819, in West Hills, New York. He is best known for his groundbreaking collection of poetry titled Leaves of Grass, first published in 1855. Whitman's work celebrated the individual, nature, and the human experience, often using free verse and a conversational style. Whitman played a significant role in the development of modern poetry and is considered a key figure in American literature. His themes of democracy, equality, and the interconnectedness of all people resonated during his time and continue to influence writers and poets today. He passed away on March 26, 1892, in Camden, New Jersey.