Harvey Pekar, the cantankerous genius behind American Splendor, has put together a comprehensive history of the Beat scene. It's always been one of my favorite movements in literature and the effect it had is still be felt in popular culture today. Pekar and friends leave no stone unturned. Everyone from the big guns (Kerouac, Ginsberg, Burroughs) to lesser known but still important contributers like Lawrence Ferlinghetti (co-founder of the City Lights bookstore in San Francisco, Diane DiPrima and rabble rousing band The Fugs are covered in a clear and respectful style. This is a beautiful introduction to these writers. And ever sparked my interest in poetry again.
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