Title
Howl and Other Poems (City Lights Pocket Poets, No. 4),Used
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The landmark, original publication of Allen Ginsbergs HOWL & Other Poems!HOWL & Other Poems, the prophetic book that launched the Beat Generation, was published by Lawrence Ferlinghetti at City Lights Books in 1956. Considered the single most influential work of postWWII United States poetry, the City Lights edition of HOWL has remained in print for more than 60 years, with well over 1,000,000 copies in print.A strident critique of middleclass complacency, consumerism, and capitalist militarism, HOWL also celebrates the pleasures and freedoms of the physical world, including a tribute to homosexual love. In addition to Howl, poems in the book include: A Supermarket in California, Sunflower Sutra, America, In the Baggage Room at Greyhound, Transcription of Organ Music, and Wild Orphan, among others.A History of HOWL:City Lights founder Lawrence Ferlinghetti first heard Allen Ginsberg read Howl at the Six Gallery event in San Francisco, 1955, which featured writers Philip Lamantia, Gary Snyder, Philip Whalen, and Michael McClure, introduced by poet Kenneth Rexroth. Jack Kerouac was present, but did not read, encouraging and cheering the other poets on. Ferlinghetti was so impressed by Ginsbergs performance, he immediately telegrammed him, referencing Ralph Waldo Emersons response to Walt Whitmans Leaves of Grass, I greet you at the beginning of a great career. When do I get the manuscript?When the first edition of HOWL arrived from its British printers, it was seized almost immediately by U.S. Customs, and shortly thereafter the San Francisco police arrested its publisher and editor, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, together with the City Lights Bookstore manager, Shigeyoshi Murao. The two were charged with disseminating obscene literature, and the case was sent to trial. Ferlinghetti partnered with the ACLU to launch a defense of HOWL, and a parade of distinguished literary and academic witnesses appeared in court to persuade the judge of its merits. In the end, famously conservative Judge Clayton Horn ruled that the poem was not obscene, but rather, as he stated emphatically, HOWL was a work of redeeming social significance.The landmark decision signaled a sea change in American culture, and the City Lights edition of HOWL became a vital cornerstone in the ongoing struggle for free expression and representation. It continues to attract generation after generation of readers.It is the poet, Allen Ginsberg, who has gone, in his own body, through the horrifying experiences described from life in these pages.William Carlos WilliamsGinsberg is both tragic and dynamic, a lyrical genius . . . probably the single greatest influence on American poetical voice since Whitman.Bob DylanNot only did he give us love and poetry, he reminded us of our civic duty to use our voice.Patti SmithHowl was Allen's metamorphosis from quiet, brilliant, burning bohemian scholar trapped by his flames and repressions to epic vocal bard.Michael McClure
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- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The book measures four point nine inches in length, zero point two inches in width, and six point two inches in height.
- Q: How many pages does 'Howl and Other Poems' have? A: This book contains fifty-seven pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is published in paperback binding.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Howl and Other Poems'? A: The author of this book is Allen Ginsberg.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book is categorized under genre fiction.
- Q: How do I read 'Howl and Other Poems'? A: You can read this book like any other paperback; simply open it and start from the first page.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for all ages? A: While there are no specific adult content warnings, it contains themes of critique and celebration which may not be suitable for younger readers.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'Howl and Other Poems'? A: This book explores themes of middle-class complacency, consumerism, and the celebration of homosexual love.
- Q: How should I store this book to keep it in good condition? A: Store this book in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its condition.
- Q: Can I clean the cover of this book? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a dry cloth to remove dust.
- Q: What should I do if my book arrives damaged? A: If your book arrives damaged, please contact customer support for return or exchange options.
- Q: Is there a return policy for this book? A: Yes, there is a standard return policy that allows you to return the book within a specified period.
- Q: How does 'Howl and Other Poems' compare to other poetry books? A: This book is considered one of the most influential works of post-WWII poetry, often surpassing other collections in impact.
- Q: Is this book suitable for poetry beginners? A: Yes, this book can be appreciated by beginners as well as poetry enthusiasts due to its historical significance.
- Q: What makes 'Howl and Other Poems' a landmark publication? A: It is a landmark publication due to its pivotal role in the Beat Generation and its impact on free expression.
- Q: What if I have questions about the content of this book? A: If you have questions about the content, consider reaching out to literary forums or reading guides for deeper insights.