Walter Whitman (May 31,1819–March 26,1892) was an American poet,essayist,journalist,and humanist.Proclaimed the "greatest of all American poets" by many foreign observers a mere four years after his death,[citation needed] he is viewed as the first urban poet.He was a part of the transition between Transcendentalism and Realism,incorporating both views in his works.His works have been translated into more than twenty-five languages.Whitman is among the most influential and controversial poets in the American canon.His work has been described as a "rude shock" and "the most audacious and debatable contribution yet made to American literature." As Whitman wrote in Leaves of Grass (By Blue Ontario's Shore),"Rhymes and rhymers pass away...America justifies itself,give it time..."