The Letters of Allen Ginsberg

“Worshippers of Howl and The Beat Generation will revel in this impressive collection of correspondence between Ginsberg and myriad other luminaries.” —Curve

Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997) was one of twentieth-century literature’s most prolific letter-writers. This definitive volume showcases his correspondence with some of the most original and interesting artists of his time, including Jack Kerouac, William S. Burroughs, Gregory Corso, Neal Cassady, Lionel Trilling, Charles Olson, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Philip Whalen, Peter Orlovsky, Philip Glass, Arthur Miller, Ken Kesey, and hundreds of others.

Through his letter writing, Ginsberg coordinated the efforts of his literary circle and kept everyone informed about what everyone else was doing. He also preached the gospel of the Beat movement by addressing political and social issues in countless letters to publishers, editors, and the news media, devising an entirely new way to educate readers and disseminate information. Drawing from numerous sources, this collection is both a riveting life in letters and an intimate guide to understanding an entire creative generation.

“Morgan has—once again—done a terrific job with Ginsberg’s words. In many ways, what we have here is the very heart of the Beat Generation. A wonderful book.” —January Magazine

“The Beat poet comes alive in his first letter to the editor of The New York Times at age fifteen, the desperate breakup note to writer Neal Cassady, and throughout his lifelong engagement with politics, literature, and famous friends.” —The Advocate

“Ginsberg was the central information centre for the Beat Generation and that is so evident from these letters . . . A major collection . . . Any self-respecting observer of the Beat Generation should have this book.” —Beat Scene