A native New Yorker, Whitman published his first work "Leaves of Grass" at his own expense. It was universally criticized because of it's sexual subject matter and innovative use of free verse. Whitman's work is filled with his concepts of freedom and the dignity of man; and his themes of equality, individuality, sexuality, patriotism, spiritualism, and death are still vehemently studied and celebrated. Whitman is today claimed as one of the few truly great American men of letters.