Allen Ginsberg: Beat Poet - Softcover

Miles, Barry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0753522527 ISBN 13: 9780753522523

Publisher: Virgin Books, 2011

Synopsis

A new preface by the author updates this reissue of a seminal biography of the counter culture icon, by a luminary of the 1960s underground Allen Ginsberg occupies a significant and enduring position in American literature. Following Ginsberg's death in 1997, Barry Miles has drawn on both his long friendship with the poet and on Ginsberg's journals and correspondence to produce an immensely detailed and fascinating account of one of the 20th century's most extraordinary poets.

About this title

About the Author:

Barry Miles is the author of many seminal books on popular culture, including The Beatles: A Diary, The British Invasion, Charles Bukowski, Hippie, the official biography Paul McCartney: Many Years from Now, Peace: 50 Years of Protest, and Zappa: A Biography. In the 1960s he was co-owner of the Indica Gallery, the countercultural art gallery where John Lennon and Yoko Ono first met.

Review:

"Skillfully evokes the poet's childhood, authoritatively expresses his opinions on sundry matters of later life and work, gives him his due as the lifeforce of youthful rebellion and in the 1960s counter culture. Read it; you'll enjoy yourself."  —New York Times

"Describing his world travels, mantra-chanting, meditation, musical compositions and achievements as a photographer, Miles traces Ginsberg's development into a member of the establishment—'the most famous living poet on earth,' the 'loudest and most influential voice' among poets of his generation."  —Publishers Weekly

"Concentrating on the simultaneity of the public and private in Ginsberg's life, Miles gives us a richer insight into his poetic value—and a better read—than many a tight-lipped critical filleting."  —Time Out

About this edition

• Publisher: Virgin Books
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0753522527
• ISBN 13: 9780753522523
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 630