Death & fame : poems 1993-1997

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Allen Ginsberg was one of the bravest & most admired poets of his century. Famously energizing the Beat Generation literary movement upon encountering Gregory Corso, Jack Kerouac & Wm Burroughs in mid-century NYC, he influenced generations of writers, musicians & poets. We lost a great figures of 20th-century American literary & cultural history when he died on 4/5/97. This volume of final poems commemorates his death's anniversary & includes verses written just before dying. His title poem, Death & Fame, ponders his life, &, in his inimitable way, how he'd like a funeral arranged & who'd be there. He reflects on life as a celebrity, contemplating past lovers, friends & fans. In "The Ballad of the Skeletons", he shares his unsettlingly controversial thoughts on America's political & social systems. "Things I'll Not Do (Nostalias)", most poignant poem in the collection, was written six days before he died. He ruminates on the people, places & events that held importance for him he'll leave behind. His signature style & perspective are remarkably present in all the poems as we are allowed a last glimpse into his mind.