Title: A Strange Blade
Creator: unknown [unsigned in original]
Date: April 26, 1856
Whitman Archive ID: anc.00338
Source: Punch Magazine 26 April 1856: [169]. The electronic text for this file was prepared by Whitman Archive staff, who transcribed the text from a representation of the original (e.g., digital scan or other electronic reproduction, microfilm copy). For a description of the editorial rationale behind our treatment of the reviews, see our statement of editorial policy.
Contributors to digital file: Natalie O'Neal, Elizabeth Lorang, and Vanessa Steinroetter
AN American Rough, whose name is WALT WHITMAN, and who calls himself a "Kosmos," has been publishing a mad book under the title of Leaves of Grass. We can only say that these Leaves of Grass are fully worthy to be put on a level with that heap of rubbish called Fern Leaves, by FANNY FERN, and similarly "green stuff." The fields of American literature want weeding dreadfully.1
1. This review later appeared in the National Anti-Slavery Standard. See: [Anonymous]. "[A Strange Blade]." National Anti-Slavery Standard (21 June 1856): 4. [back]