Ginsberg, Allen

Allen Ginsberg: Journals Mid-Fifties 1954-1958

ISBN: 0060167718
New York, NY: Harper Collins, 1995. First Edition. Hardcover. "The revealing personal journals of premier American poet Allen Ginsberg from the crucial years of his youth, Journals Mid-Fifties 1954-1958 is a must-read for everyone fascinated by the Beat Generation and its place in American literary and cultural history. A portrait of the artist as a young man at peak creative energy...In these years Ginsberg made radical discoveries in poetics- including development of the condensed long line- which bore fruit in the controversial poem "Howl."...Rich in intimacy and reflection, vividly illustrated by reproductions from notebook leaves and contemporaneous photographs, Journals Mid-Fifties offers a startling, many faceted portrait of America's most influential...poet in the making." (from front flap) The now-classic compilation of journal writings by Allen Ginsberg, Founding Father of the Beat Generation. As noted in quote above, these intimate diaristic journals were written during the most critical period of Ginsberg's life as a poet. They also relate rich anecdotes on his most important, legendary associates both personal & professional (quite often both at once): William S. Burroughs, Neal Cassady, Gregory Corso, Jack Kerouac, Peter Orlovsky, Gary Snyder & so many others. Edited by long-time associate & collaborator Gordon Ball, who also edited other important Ginsberg volumes. A beautiful production, hardcover in unclipped dust jacket, first edition as stated on copyright page, first printing as indicated by number sequence thereon. A key, indeed indispensable collectible resource in the Ginsberg canon. Book in very fine condition, substantially mint inside & out with uncut side edges of page leaves as issued. Dust jacket very fine with only the slightest rubbing to front, back covers & spine; a few tiny bumps, creases at edges & corners of same; very slight rubbing to clear protective jacket which previous seller/ owner has affixed to blank inner lower spine & therefore cannot be removed without risk of slight damage. An extra handling charge will be added for shipping due to the weight of this item. Very Fine / Very Fine. [Item #4160]

Price: $60.00