A central figure in the "wide-open poetry" movement of the 1950s, Lawrence Ferlinghetti crafted a diverse body of work encompassing poetry, fiction, drama, and art criticism, often engaging with political and social issues. His poetry, grounded in tradition and craftsmanship, challenged the literary elite and celebrated the commonplace, resisting simple categorization as mere protest. Through his influential City Lights Bookstore and publishing house, he fostered a vital literary community and championed dissident voices, most notably with the landmark publication of "Howl & Other Poems." Ferlinghetti's own work, including the enduringly popular "A Coney Island of the Mind," continues to resonate globally, cementing his legacy as a significant force in American letters.
The title of this book is taken from Henry Miller's "Into the Night Life" and expresses the way Lawrence Ferlinghetti felt about these poems when he wrote them during a short period in the 1950's—as if they were, taken together, a kind of Coney Island of the mind—a kind of circus of the soul.
This book showcases a groundbreaking collection of the previously unseen graphic art created by a unique poet and painter. It offers a retrospective that highlights the artist's insurgent style, providing insight into their innovative approach to visual expression. Through this exhibition, readers can explore the intersection of poetry and painting, revealing the depth and originality of the artist's work.
One of the longest relationships between a publisher and a writer, documented in an intimate correspondence spanning their respective careers.
Lawrence Ferlinghetti, "one of our ageless radicals and true bards" ( Booklist ), has gathered here four decades of poetry in his inimitable everyman’s voice, including more than fifty pages of new work. The tone has deepened over the years, and he may now be seen as a true maestro in his field. Behind the irresistible air of immediacy and spontaneity lies much erudition and an antic imagination intent on subverting "the dominant paradigm." From his earliest books, including his landmark Coney Island of the Mind , Ferlinghetti has written poetry "in ways that those who see poetry as the province of the few and educated had never imagined. That strength has turned out to be lasting" (Joel Oppenheimer, N. Y. Times Books Review ).
A comprehensive selection from Ferlinghetti's famed City Lights Pocket Poets Series, published on the 60th anniversary of its founding.
The narrative highlights the establishment of the first paperback bookstore in the U.S. by Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953, which evolved into City Lights, a cultural landmark for literature enthusiasts. Over the years, it has attracted millions, becoming synonymous with the Beat Generation. Ferlinghetti's influential work, A Coney Island of the Mind, achieved remarkable success, becoming the best-selling poetry volume by a living American poet, showcasing the impact of both the bookstore and the author on American literature.
Second, expanded edition, with eighteen new poems.
Exploring the vibrant essence of San Francisco, this collection features poems that capture the city's unique landscapes, culture, and spirit. As the first official Poet Laureate, the author weaves personal experiences with the city's rich history, offering readers a glimpse into its diverse communities and iconic sights. The verses reflect a deep appreciation for the Bay Area, celebrating both its beauty and complexities through evocative imagery and heartfelt expression.
Two acclaimed poetry volumes, Who Are We Now? (1976) and Landscapes of Livingand Dying (1979), are brought together.
Motorcycle Diaries for a new generation, this long-awaited volume provides a panoramic portrait of art and life across the twentieth century.