Whitman letters

Among the Library's treasures is a hand-built timber cabinet housing correspondence between one of America's most important poets, Walt Whitman, and a librarian at the Melbourne Supreme Court, Bernard O'Dowd.

In March 1890 O’Dowd sent his first fan letter to Whitman. A brief correspondence followed and Whitman sent twelve letters, as well as various books and pictures of himself, to O’Dowd.

Here, Kate Torney discusses the Whitman letters and reads some excerpts from the men's heartfelt correspondence.

Discover more about the Whitman letters

• Read more about the cabinet of Whitman letters in the La Trobe Journal.
• See photos of the letters in our blog post 'Dear Walt: Whitman in Victoria'.

About Access All Areas

In this video series, join former CEO Kate Torney for exclusive insights into her most cherished collection items, spaces (including some that even staff can't access!), legends and legacies at State Library Victoria.

Find out more and view all episodes of Access All Areas.