Collected Poems 1947-1997 (Harper Perennial Modern Classics)

This “collection” is actually 13 collections bound together in one volume that presents much of the published poetry of the Beat poet Allen Ginsberg over the second half of the 20th century—till his death in 1997. Ginsberg is probably best known for “Howl,” which is both the name of the third collection in this book and the poem for which it was named (i.e. “I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness,…”) However, Ginsberg’s work is extensive, and one can find many a lesser known gem inside.Ginsberg’s body of work isn’t just copious; it’s also highly varied stylistically. While Ginsberg most commonly uses free verse, he also uses rhyming / metered poems, shaped poems, variations on haiku, musical lyrics, and--in rare instances--prose form poems and puzzle poems.While Ginsberg’s work is also thematically varied, there are a number of recurring themes. First, as one might expect of the author of “Howl,” Ginsberg’s work is highly politically charged. One gets a history review of the latter 20th century from reading this volume. Ginsberg rails against the war in Vietnam, against the Iran-Contra affair, and against alleged CIA drug dealing at home and abroad. It should be noted that while Ginsberg’s views are expectedly counter-culture, there isn’t the delusional glorification of the opposition that one often sees from many political writers. That is to say, as Ginsberg rebukes capitalists and conservatives, he also takes on the Soviets and other leftist regimes who engaged in human rights violations or war-mongering.Second, as one might expect from the inspiration for Alvah Goldbook in Jack Kerouac’s “Dharma Bums,” Ginsberg frequently references Eastern spiritual traditions—notably Tibetan Buddhism and Zen. There are a number of poems set in places like Varanasi (Benares) and Siem Reap (Angkor) that reflect Ginsberg’s traveling exploration of these systems. Of course, Ginsberg was a traveler in general, and so there are a number of poems set in the Western Hemisphere and Europe as well. Ginsberg also writes a little bit on his birth religion, Judaism, but usually in a secular manner and sometimes while rebuking the actions of Zionists.Third, there are many [mostly homoerotic] sex poems in the collection. For those who are sensitive about such matters, I don’t use the term “sex poem” as a sloppy substitute for the word erotica. These aren’t erotic love poems in the conventional sense, they are usually graphic and Ginsberg purposefully uses provocative, shocking, and sometimes lurid wording to evoke a response in the reader. If reading about Ginsberg’s sexual adventures will cause you emotional trauma, be forewarned.There are end-notes that can be quite helpful, particularly if you’ve forgotten some of your 20th century history, are unfamiliar with Beat trivia (all of the characters from Kerouac’s “Dharma Bums” make an appearance), or aren’t familiar with the various yogic and Buddhist gurus who Ginsberg refers to. (The first set of notes oddly comes after the 10th collection. that’s because this collection is actually even more of a matryoshka doll than I suggested. The first 10 collections are actually collections inside a collection (“Collected Poems 1947 – 1980”) that’s inside a collection (“Collected Poems 1947 – 1997”.) The last three collections have their own end-notes immediately following them.There are few graphics, mostly the music to poems that are—or can be—set to music.I’d recommend this collection to poetry readers, particularly those who enjoy Beat period language. As I mentioned, the delicate political or sexual sensitivities of some readers may be offended. On the other hand, as I always say: If you’re not reading outside your comfort zone, you shouldn’t consider yourself so much educated as indoctrinated.

If you just want the poems of Allen Ginsberg, this is all that you need. Absolutely everything (Except for readings, photography and such). If you're considering getting a complete works, you probably don't need a lot of convincing with regards to the merits of Ginberg's poetry. However, I will say that though I am not crazy about a few of the minor poems that he published in his later books, he always stepped it up when it came to the big stuff. And in case you've just read one of the million or so copies out there of Howl, Ginsberg didn't shock the world and make of his life time to smoke weed and watch cartoons. Kaddish blew my mind, and the subtleties of Plutonian Ode come to me all the time when I'm daydreaming. I must admit, I love the pocket poets additions, and have most of Ginsberg's stuff that was printed in those. Then I bought this. Truth is, by the time you've bought two of those you've paid for a little over the price of this. Those little books are nice though and they are what I use. Really doesn't matter all that much how a person reads the poetry I figure & so I will mostly emphasize that all of the books Ginsberg published with City Lights are worth having (the majority of this book). There are at least two poems of Ginsberg that are of the magnitude of Howl (& given the all-encompassing (and not-so-compressed) nature of The Fall of America I would make it 3) & they were written by a more mature poet.

This is a very substantial publication, which covers Allen Ginsberg's life work in poetry, from the late forties, to the poems he wrote on his deathbed. It includes his classics, Howl, Footnote to Howl, Kaddish, America, Hum Bom, and all his other poems, collected over a fifty year period. This book is available as an e-book, but I bought it used through Amazon.com for cheaper than the price of the e-book and it arrived in great condition. I find it more fun to read his poetry if you have recordings of Ginsberg himself reading the poems. He recites his own poetry in a special way, the way it is meant to be read and heard. This is a complete collection from one of the (if not THE) greatest of the poets of the Beat generation, which included Jack Kerouac, and WIlliam S. Burroughs, among others.Five out of five stars for this complete, definitive publication of Ginsberg's poetic lifelong work.

This is a terrific big book that shows Ginsberg's range from the sublime to the small, occasional poem. All of it is interesting, moving, compassionate, socially critical, and worth enjoying.

Just fantastic. The book is thick. At least 1000 pages. Their is so much content. It gives you a raw and real view in the life of the beat poet. All the way up until his death, his poems document his life in vivid detail. There are illustrations in the anthology that pertain to Ginsberg's life. Although it is paperback, the book doesn't feel at all cheap and the paper its printed on is high quality. if you are a fan of Ginsberg or the beat generation of poetry this book is a must have. Worth every cent.

A copy with character and history of ownership. There's even a newspaper clipping of Ginsberg's passing.

Its an amazing book and huge too. Most of Allens work is here. I have the kindle edition as well because I loved my paperback one so much I wanted to carry it around and read Allens poems whenever I felt like it.I fell in love with Allens poetry about a year ago and have been listening to his poems in audio like crazy, but this book is so delightful I have been reading it rather than listening to more audios, as my time is a bit short these days. I cant say how much I love it. I would marry this book if it asked me! I dont think any poetry loving person with a sense of fun would ever regret buying this book. Get it! And bring more wonder into your life.

Everything you need and more besides. Such imagery and use of language. Just trips off the page. Savour it, make it last.

Few poets stride the second half of the 20th century in the way that Ginsberg does... His voice can be heard in everything from Dylan's lyrics to Iain Banks' novels (no, really).His long lines jumble upon one another, bringing forth image after image, all with an type of elequence and boldness and, last but not least, vivacity that hadn't been seen in poetry before.The influences of Blake and Whitman on Ginsberg's work is well documented, and for sure, it's not difficult to spot, but AG's voice is distinctive and rewarding.This volume contains all of AG's published verse plus about 80 pages of prose, mostly by AG, but also William Carlos Williams' introductions to Howl and Empty Mirror.Make no bones about it, this is a big book, in all senses of the word. And it offers such a array of styles and voices, and, whatever effects Howl may have had at the time, there are scores of other poems of equal worth and candour.This is the 'beat' movement in extremis and not recommended for those who reject any poem that doesn't look like a nursery rhyme.The book itself is beautifully presented, as befits a volume that will be read for a very long time to come.... A book that will 'settle for immortality "I walked on the banks of the tican banana dock and sat down under the shade of a huge Southern Pacific locotomotive to look at the sumset over the box house hills and cry" That's real and that's art...Lovers of modern poetry need this book. Sorry, but you just gotta have it.... there's a lifetime's rewards in them pages....

Liberdade, é essa a palavra certa para descrever a magnífica obra de Allen Ginsberg! Para todos que gostam de poesia estadunidense, a obra de Ginsberg é indispensável, e essa coletânea tem todas as obras do gigante poeta libertário! Recomendo de verdade a todos os interessados!

Nothing disappoints from a time when we should have been reading his poetry - my need to explore deplorably behind the times.

Ótima qualidade do serviço, embora o livro tenha vindo com alguma páginas amassadas.