In 1969, Allen Ginsberg wrote to his friend, fellow poet, and publisher
Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Alas, telephone destroys letters! Fortunately,
however, by then the two had already exchanged a treasure trove of
personal correspondence, and more than any other documents, their
letters--intimate, opinionated, and action-packed--reveal the true
nature of their lifelong friendship and creative relationship. Collected
here for the first time, they offer an intimate view into the range of
artistic vision and complementary sensibilities that fueled the genius
of their literary collaborations.
Ferlinghetti and Ginsberg were two of the twentieth century's most
influential literary rebels, and their correspondence documents a time
when both were rising to the peak of their notoriety and international
fame, traveling, writing, publishing, and performing their poetry during
times of unprecedented social and cultural experimentation and upheaval.
Ferlinghetti was Ginsberg's publisher and editor, and the correspondence
begins with a telegram from Lawrence after hearing Allen's legendary
reading of Howl at the Six Gallery: I greet you at the beginning of a
great career. When do I get the manuscript?
The majority of the letters collected here have never before been
published, and they span the period from 1955 until Ginsberg's death in
1997. Facsimiles and photographs enhance the collection, an evocative
portrait of an inspiring and enduring relationship.
Lawrence Ferlinghetti is an internationally renowned poet, painter,
publisher, and founder of City Lights Books.
Allen Ginsberg was a leading member of the Beat Generation and an
award-winning poet best known as the author of Howl & Other Poems,
among many other works.
