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.
Grown Boy came into his own voice and let loose his word-horde pent-up within him. From growing up as an orphan in 1920s New York, to serving in the Navy at the D-Day landings in Normandy, to a vagabond life drinking in Parisian cafes, to befriending America's greatest counter-cultural writers, Little Boy has seen it all.
At last, a compact, powerful overview of one of America's most beloved and radical poets--spanning more than six decades of work
Motorcycle Diaries for a new generation, this long-awaited volume provides a panoramic portrait of art and life across the twentieth century.
One of the longest relationships between a publisher and a writer, documented in an intimate correspondence spanning their respective careers.
A new, shorter collection by America's preeminent living poet and social activist, who is just as fiery and provocative as ever at 94 years old. Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s Blasts contains blasts, blessings, and curses in the vortex of today, taking its cues from the original little magazine, Blast, published by Wyndham Lewis with Ezra Pound in 1914–15 that helped create the modernist movement in literature and the visual arts. In these fearless new poems, Ferlinghetti, America’s everyman bard, speaks for the poor, the forgotten, the beaten, and the bombed.
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.
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.
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.
With a focus on illuminating both the mundane and extraordinary aspects of life, this collection features recent poems by a celebrated poet known for his accessible style. For over fifty years, he has maintained his commitment to clarity and resonance in his work. Recognized as a significant voice in contemporary poetry, he participated in UNESCO's World Poetry Day celebration in 2001, showcasing his global influence. The poet's introduction reflects his lifelong mission to "paint light on the walls of life," underscoring his enduring relevance.
Routines, first published by New Directions in 1964 and going through four printings, is now reissued with the addition of three more of Ferlinghetti's very short experimental plays