The Beats: Poetry, Writing & Life

Allen Ginsberg's poems, from 'Howl' to 'Kaddish' to 'The Fall of America,' have influenced generations of writers and made him a defining figure of the twentieth century. Ginsberg's Collected Poems, first published in 1984, and expanded in 1997, was originally thought to contain all of his poetic work.

A landmark work of bio-romanticism, Mephistos and Other Poems is the first completely new collection in five years from legendary Beat and SF Renaissance poet Michael McClure, reflecting his interests in mammal consciousness and ecological survival.

Old Angel Midnight is a treasure trove of Kerouac's experiments with automatic writing, a method he practiced constantly to sharpen his imaginative reflexes.

Gary Snyder here joins his old friend, novelist Jim Harrison, to discuss their loves and lives and what has become of them throughout the years.

Lord Buckley, His Royal Hipness, AKA the Charlie Parker of Talk, was an American performer, recording artist, and hip poet/comic who, in the 1940s and 50s, created a character that was, according to the New York Times, An unlikely persona . . .

The Beat Generation may be one of the great homegrown countercultures of the United States, but in fact its writers traveled widely and lived abroad for periods of time. Their travels were a vital source of inspiration, and in turn they inspired literary scenes and kindred spirits around the globe.

Printer's ink is the greatest explosive."-Lawrence Ferlinghetti