WALT WHITMAN'S NEW YORK

Whitman worked as a journalist in Brooklyn for many years before the Civil War. These articles, first published in 1861, provide a treasury for antiquarians. Interviews with old-timers, forgotten historical detail, and personal reminiscence combine with surprising unity. Brooklyn's grandeur, beauty, and salubrity unsurpassed"" may amuse local residents today, and the picture of ""Kanarsie"" Indians living in sand-caves, the horror of British prison ships and mass burials in Flushing during the Revolution, Lafayette lifting the young Whitman in his arms, etc. add interest for those visiting or living near the scene. There is one account of the Whitman we know best: on an overnight sail to the tip of the island he is sensuous, abandoned, rejoicing in simple communication with people and nature.... These are ""veracious penjottings"" and they will be illustrated.