This book is more of a collection. It is a collection of poems writing by Allen Ginsberg, mainly from the years 1986-1992, not too long before his death.

The writing style and subjects of the poems. Allen wrote spur of the moment - everything came from how he was feeling right then. The subjects of the poems were not cliche, and deal with a variety of topics - sex, Buddism, death - all told in brilliant non-conventional language. Also included is a comic strip, and some music accompanied to some poems that are excellent.

I would have liked more poems; I finished this book in about 1 1/2 hours. Also, the subtitle Poems: 1986-1992 is misleading - some poems incuded were written in the 70's.

Write poetry of my own.

This book made me feel free, I suppose is the word. After reading anything by Allen, looking at the world differently - which in this case is a more critical manner- is inevitable. Why do I have to live by this, or this and so on.

Allen Ginsberg is the author, a co-founder of the "Beat Generation." His poetic style in free flowing, very rarely rhyming, sarcastic, witty, and opinionated.

I reccomend Cosmopolitan Greetings for Allen's writing style.

Allen Ginsberg's poetry is not for everybody. People who are homophobic will definitly be uncomfortable while reading the poems "Sphincter," "London Dream Doors," "Personal Ads," the "John" trilogy, and a few others, which deal with m/m sex or insinuate it. Also, the vulgarity of some writings and Allen's sarcastic view of conventional religion may upset more reserved individuals.

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Created Oct 21, 2002 at 11:21am • Submit your own review...