Howl and Other Poems (City Lights Pocket Poets, No. 4)

Allen Ginsberg is considered one of the great poets of our time, and almost without exception is considered the best poet of the Beat Generation. Both of these statements are true, in my opinion. The only beat poet who comes close is Gregory Corso, though they were poets with completely different styles, making them difficult to compare. Howl is extremely poetic and artistic, but in a way that envelops and expresses thoughts at a basic human level. The style is raw, loud, cacephonic, even vulgar in a good way because it is real. As you read Howl, you see and feel the joy, pain, and anger of humans living in the modern world, as they struggle through the crowd and the buildings and the machinery that make this world operate. Howl is real, human, raw, and any number of other adjectives that are not necessary, because the message comes through with a serious reading of the poem. The rest of the poems are equally great, but the book is defined by its namesake poem.

Suddenly it is 1956 and these beatnik guys are upsetting apple carts all over the place. I love that the physical format of this volume is the same as when first published [a very sad reminder of what has been lost as books became digital}

While I was alive during the time that Ginsberg was living and writing HOWL, I was too young to have experienced this sort of life myself. And, based on his graphic depictions, I cringe to think I ever could have found myself in a similar situation. This is poetry. But it is not pretty. This is life. But it is not beautiful. Ginsberg writes a poem that is a cry from the soul, a view of his world through tired, sunken eyes. It is brutal in its honesty. But even as I read it, I was reminded of the Book of Job, and the rantings of Biblical prophets. Not just a should read, it is an integral volume of the Canon of Poetry, as necessary as anything by Homer, Keats, Shakespeare, Heaney, Plath: it belongs in your memory, and on your bookshelf.

Very interesting read!

Allen Ginsberg is truly a master of language. I actually think he’s a legitimate genius with respect to developing a landscape with his words. Reading this book transports you to a San Fransisco alley, sitting with Ginsberg and his friends, talking of overthrowing the government, smoking weed, and having illicit sex. Much has been made (in some of the reviews I’ve read) about the language Ginsberg utilizes, and I can sympathize. It can be relatively shocking, especially if you’re not prepared to see it in poetry. I can remember being shocked by Ginsebrg’s language when I read one of his poems for the first time in American Literature class. Back then it put me off, and to be honest, I half-expected to be put off by it again this time, several years later. But I think since I was prepared for it this time, I saw it for what it was, an expressive use of language that fits the character of the narrative. It’s not like it’s a poem about daffodils and sparrows. It’s a poem about a generation of pot smokers, communists and poets. Final say: Absolutely read it, unless you’re sensitive to adult language, as I have seen that some people are put off by that.

Ginsbergs'early work just awesome

I have been reading poetry to my kids for bedtime for years, now, and eventually bought this masterpiece for them. It is plenty juicy and descriptive, and, at times, fascinating to put yourself in AG's shoes. It is amazing how many variegated scenarios he presents in this book. The information AG presents is rich over the precious few pages of which it consists. There is plenty of meat in this book, especially when putting it into its historical and cultural perspective. Of course it has got plenty of four-letter words in it, so when reading it, I "bleep" those out; despite my own brand of censorship, my kids have named it their favorite of their poetry books.

If you even use the word trigger warning in your vocabulary. Be warned. The entire thing is a trigger. I bought it knowing this. I suffer bipolar type 1, ptsd from rape trauma and severe social phobia. I don't believe much in triggers (much Bc I know that there are some but I also educate myself) this book is more of a "ahhh I understand and I'm not alone" reminder. Plus. It's amazing his recall through such manic episodes. His empathy for others (as most bpd and ptsd suffered can relate to) and love the style. It is a rough read. There Are tough subjects tacklers head on. I had to put it down and come back at later times. But so worth the read.

Absolute great read! Thanks Allen for a little human truth

"Howl" is a tour de force that continues to resonate with readers today. Ginsberg's fearless exploration of humanity's struggles and aspirations makes this poem a must-read for those who appreciate thought-provoking, boundary-pushing literature that challenges the status quo.

I forced myself to finish this book.

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