Whitman on Wellness

Long before today's modern use of the term wellness, Walt Whitman, widely considered to be one of America's greatest poets, extolled the virtues of self-care and the mind–body connection. In a series of thirteen newspaper installments, written in 1858 for The New York Atlas under the pseudonym Mose Velsor — unearthed more than 150 years later by a University of Houston graduate student — Whitman adopted the role of advice columnist. Velsor dispensed tips on "manly" health issues, including alcohol use, depression, diet, exercise, physical beauty, sex, socialization, and a host of other subjects. This volume juxtaposes excerpts of Whitman’s well-known verse with his lesser-known prose, offering unique and fascinating insights into one of America’s most beloved poets. self help care; beauty; exercise; sex; fitness; hygiene; living; series; tips; health; nutrition; mens health; men; Victorian; meditations; American; body; mind; spirit; soul; nature; depression; diet; medicine; drinking; voice; swimming; alcohol; habits; teacher; nurse; outdoors; feet; drink; eat; meat; influencer; guru