In 1941, Marie Deutsch was awarded the Julia Ellsworth Ford Foundation Prize for her biography Walt Whitman, reflecting her deep appreciation for the intricate interplay between a poet's life and their creative expression. Born in New York City in 1895, mere years after Whitman's passing in nearby Camden, Deutsch was a poet in her own right. Her inaugural collection, Banners, released in 1919, often engaged with pressing social issues of her time. Beyond her own verse, Deutsch was an accomplished translator of German and Russian poetry, anthologist, and fiction writer.

A notable strength of Deutsch's biography is her deft use of Whitman's own language, enriching her narrative with his celebrated lines and phrases. This use of authentic language adds vitality to the biography, mirroring the dynamism Whitman infused into his works, particularly evident in his autobiographical poem “Song of Myself.” Through her writing, Deutsch successfully captures the kinetic energy of Whitman's world, filled with the bustle of people and the vividness of diverse scenes.

Walt Whitman transports readers to the vibrant settings of the nineteenth century, from the fervent torchlit political rallies of New York City to the somber yet spirited atmosphere of Civil War army hospitals. These historical backdrops provide a rich context for understanding the life and times that shaped Whitman’s poetry, making Deutsch's biography a compelling read for those interested in both history and literature.