Drum Taps: The Complete 1865 Edition – Echoing the Thunder of the Civil War

A Poetic Tapestry Woven amidst the Tumult of War

Walt Whitman, the towering figure of American literature, penned "Drum Taps" during the turbulent years of the Civil War. This extraordinary collection of poems, published in its complete 1865 edition, captures the raw emotions and harrowing experiences of the conflict. Through Whitman's lyrical lens, we witness the horrors and triumphs, the heartbreak and resilience that defined this pivotal moment in American history.

Drum-Taps: The Complete 1865 Edition (NYRB Poets)

by Lawrence Kramer

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	543 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	201 pages
Hardcover	:	124 pages
Item Weight	:	9 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.38 x 8 inches

FREE

A Symphony of Rhythms and Images

"Drum Taps" is a symphony of sounds and images, orchestrated by Whitman's masterful use of language. The very title evokes the thunderous beat of war, a relentless rhythm that permeates the poems. Whitman's words dance across the page, painting vivid pictures of battlefields and hospitals, soldiers and civilians.

In "Beat! Beat! Drums!", the pulsating rhythm of the drum becomes a symbol of the war's relentless march. The poet hears the drums "rattling and pounding," driving soldiers forward into the fray. In "A March in the Ranks Hard-Prest, and the Road Unknown," Whitman captures the camaraderie and determination of Union soldiers, trudging through muddy roads, their hearts heavy with both fear and resolve.

But "Drum Taps" is not merely a record of the war's horrors. Whitman also celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. In "O Captain! My Captain!", he mourns the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the nation's beloved leader, while acknowledging the profound loss and hope his death represents. In "Come Up from the Fields Father," Whitman expresses the aching anxiety of families awaiting news of their loved ones on the front lines.

A Historical and Literary Masterpiece

"Drum Taps" is not only a poetic masterpiece but also a valuable historical document. It provides an intimate glimpse into the Civil War, shedding light on the experiences of those who lived through its turmoil. Whitman's poems capture the complexities of the conflict, its political and social implications, and its lasting impact on the American psyche.

For students of history and literature, "Drum Taps" is an essential text, offering a unique perspective on one of the most defining chapters in American history. Its lyrical beauty and historical significance make it a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the human experience of war.

The Complete 1865 Edition: An Unparalleled Collection

This NYRB Poets edition of "Drum Taps" presents the complete 1865 edition, including all the poems Whitman intended for the volume. This edition offers readers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fullness of Whitman's Civil War poetry, gaining a comprehensive understanding of its themes and evolution.

The volume is meticulously edited and annotated by renowned Whitman scholar Jerome Loving, providing invaluable insights into the poems' historical context and literary significance. Loving's commentary enriches the reading experience, making this edition an indispensable resource for scholars, enthusiasts, and general readers alike.

A Legacy that Resonates Through Time

"Drum Taps" has had a profound influence on American literature and culture. Its evocative language and themes of war, loss, and redemption have resonated with countless readers over the years. The poems have been adapted into songs, used in films, and quoted in speeches and writings, becoming part of the collective memory of the Civil War and the American experience.

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Immerse yourself in the rhythmic echoes of the Civil War. "Drum Taps" by Walt Whitman is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the human experience in all its complexities. This complete 1865 edition, meticulously edited and annotated, offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of one of the most tumultuous chapters in American history.

Drum-Taps: The Complete 1865 Edition (NYRB Poets)

by Lawrence Kramer

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	543 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	201 pages
Hardcover	:	124 pages
Item Weight	:	9 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.38 x 8 inches

FREE