Allen Ginsberg occupies a significant and enduring position in American literature. Following Ginsberg's death in 1997, Barry Miles has drawn on both his long friendship with the poet and on Ginsberg's journals and correspondence to produce an immensely readable account of one of the twentieth century's most extraordinary poets.

Repackaged and refreshed, this seminal biography of a counter-cultural icon is re-issued to form a core part of the Virgin backlist 'Will surely be consulted as an Ur-text for decades to come. Read it to the end... and you'll know why he matters.' Michael Horowitz, Sunday Times

About the Author
Barry Miles is author of many seminal books on popular culture, including the authorised biography of Paul McCartney, Paul McCartney: Many Years from Now; Ginsberg: A Biography; Jack Kerouac: King of the Beats and The Beat Hotel: Ginsberg, Burroughs and Corso in Paris, 1957-1963.

Reviews
This is a scholarly work and also much fun. * Guardian *
Will surely be consulted as an Ur-text for decades to come. Read it at the end, along with Ginsberg's fifteen best books, and you'll know why he matters. -- Michael Horowitz * Sunday Times *
Skilfully evokes the poet's childhood, authoritatively expresses his opinions on sundry matters of later life and work, gives him his due as lifeforce of youthful rebellion and in the 1960s counter. Read it; you'll enjoy yourself. -- Paul Berman * New York Times *
Concentrating on the simultaneity of the public and private in Ginsberg's life, Miles gives us a richer insight into his poetic value - and a better read - than many a tight-lipped critical filleting. -- Saul Frampton * Time Out *



Book Information
ISBN 9780753522523
Author Barry Miles
Format Paperback
Page Count 640
Imprint Virgin Books
Publisher Ebury Publishing
Weight(grams) 423g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 126mm * 38mm