Leaves of Grass: Public Opinion and the Continuous Suppression of Minorities

Author: Hailey Miglino

Field of Study: Arts and Humanities

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Bridget Whearty, Jeremy Dibbell

Easel: 69

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: In November 1881, James R. Osgood and Company published the seventh edition of Leaves of Grass. Shortly after, the New England Society for the Suppression of Vice condemned the book for its references to sexuality and homosexuality, resulting in its removal from a Boston library. This episode exemplifies a long history of censorship, a practice rooted in ancient civilizations and perpetuated by governments and religious authorities throughout history. A book's material aspects enrich its value; this project explores how physical evidence, like the absence of annotations, provides insights into the broader history of suppression surrounding Leaves of Grass. The condition of Binghamton University’s copy serves as both a historical artifact and a reminder of ongoing censorship, underscoring the importance of preserving the voices of marginalized communities. The evolving reception of Walt Whitman and his work reflects changing societal attitudes toward queerness and highlights the persistent marginalization faced by certain individuals.