The Rolling Stone Book of the Beats: The Beat Generation and the American Culture

I found this book to be very helpful in my study of beat literature. While many people consider the beat movement to revolve around three or four very talented individuals this book shows the huge array of writers, painters, photographers, conmen, and comidians that helped to influence and form the generation. This book is not only a great read in itself, but is also a great reference tool. Long live the Beats!

tho i do agree that there is such a frightenly abundant amount of beat gen books that it is hard to get excited about each new one that comes out, i found this one to be quite interesting (and i am person, who, no matter how many books come out, i will at least read, if not own, them all). it is an interesting blend of essays written for rolling stone throughout the years mixed with newly written essays. there are a number of different viewpoints and ways of looking at different aspects of the beats (and really, the whole topic is so layered, i think having numerous boks on the subject is important). i found myself thoroughly entertained, and i have been studying the beats intensely for several years now, so finding new and interesting ways for me to read about them can be a bid of a challenge.

Fascinating compendium of Beat arcania. The graphic novelization of Kerouac's adventures in N.Y. and San Francisco by Rick Bleier especially cooks! Adult-oriented graphic narratives outside the parameters of standard fantasy or sci-fi genres are long overdue. Hope to see a complete book of Mr. Bleier's work.

while i liked the stories, being an artist myself, i thought the artwork by mr. bleier was truly inspired. while they say a picture is worth 1000 words, his art is worth a generation of memories and feelings. i look forward to seeing more of his work in the future.

Inclusion of David Amram will assure that this retro-collection will appeal to all "Beat" aficiandos. Amram's extensive US & abroad touring..culminates each year in October at Lowell celebrates Kerouac..12th annual..with Doug Brinkley, key archivist- Kerouac biographer for the millennium>