A Beat Generation Poet

Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997)

Allen Ginsberg was one of the prominent poets of the Beat Generation alongside William Burroughs, Neal Cassady, and Jack Kerouac. He was born in New Jersey in 1926 and first gained recognition on the San Francisco poetry scene. He moved there in 1954 and worked with Kenneth Rexroth to open The '6' Gallery Reading Room, a venue for poetry readings. It opened on October 7, 1955 at which time Ginsberg gave the first public reading of his poem "Howl." It gained him worldwide recognition for its depth, rhythm, and soul. Indeed, Ginsberg's poetry is known for its detail. It reflects his political views and his apathy towards political correctness. The press banned his first book for obscenity, but he successfully appealed to remove the ban. His second book featured the poem "Kaddish," based on a traditional Jewish mourner's prayer; it was written about his mother following her death. Writing was a way for Ginsberg to release his emotions. To him, it was "a sacred act...like prayer." His fame continued to grow and he wrote throughout his life, advocating change and acceptance, until his death in 1997.