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tscott907's review
4.25
I miss you, Ginsy…
Obviously slightly scattershot and not completely tied-up, but such a wealth of information and knowledge that I was absolutely charmed by it. A delightful read.
Obviously slightly scattershot and not completely tied-up, but such a wealth of information and knowledge that I was absolutely charmed by it. A delightful read.
connor_mcf_'s review against another edition
4.0
Finally finished despite having a reading hiatus for a few weeks. I’m a big fan of the writing and literature surrounding the Beat Generation and Ginsberg’s collections of essays/lectures is essential in understanding the writing, individuals and influences of the period. It focus on a broad range from artistic and cultural influences, poetics and the development of the socio-cultural movements of the 40-60’s.
ljbentley27's review against another edition
2.0
I was really eager to read The Best Minds of My Generation but had been put off by an experience of reading On The Road by Jack Kerouac. This will probably shock a lot of people but I just didn’t rate it. I read it because I felt like I was supposed to have read it. But, to be perfectly honest, I just wasn’t that impressed.
Anyway, I decided to bite the bullet and go for it and just immerse myself in the world of the Beat Writers.
I kind of wish I had chosen another book to read. That probably sounds really harsh but it is because this book, The Best Minds of My Generation, is clearly for hardcore Beat enthusiasts. It is not for someone who is tentatively dipping their toes into this genre.
My recommendation would be that anyone wanting to learn about the history of this period then look elsewhere. If you already love this genre of writing then knock yourself out.
The Best Minds of My Generation – A Literary History of the Beats by Allen Ginsberg is available now.
For more information regarding Grove Atlantic (@groveatlantic) please visit www.groveatlantic.com.
Anyway, I decided to bite the bullet and go for it and just immerse myself in the world of the Beat Writers.
I kind of wish I had chosen another book to read. That probably sounds really harsh but it is because this book, The Best Minds of My Generation, is clearly for hardcore Beat enthusiasts. It is not for someone who is tentatively dipping their toes into this genre.
My recommendation would be that anyone wanting to learn about the history of this period then look elsewhere. If you already love this genre of writing then knock yourself out.
The Best Minds of My Generation – A Literary History of the Beats by Allen Ginsberg is available now.
For more information regarding Grove Atlantic (@groveatlantic) please visit www.groveatlantic.com.
behindthecritic's review against another edition
5.0
Ginsy, I love you.
It's kinda annoying that I was trying to access these lectures when writing my dissertation and couldn't get them anywhere then this book was released the day my research was due but oh well.
I love this book. It reminds me of De Quincey's observation on the Romantic poets but instead we are looking at the Beat Generation and Ginsberg's lectures analyse writing style as well as giving us all the gossip.
My favourite thing was Ginsberg highlighting what writing and music I inspired the Beats' works. As I writer I love seeing the thought process behind a piece of work. Seeing Russian literature and French poetry amongst other familiar titles on my bookshelf was quite heartwarming knowing Ginsberg was inspired by the same books.
The structure of these lectures is quite loose and a bit repetitive - but Bill Morgan has done a wonderful job at editing Ginsberg's lectures yet still keeping his chatty personality. I applaud Bill Morgan for his editing skills because I understand how difficult it would've been.
If you love the Beat Generation, this is essential reading.
It's kinda annoying that I was trying to access these lectures when writing my dissertation and couldn't get them anywhere then this book was released the day my research was due but oh well.
I love this book. It reminds me of De Quincey's observation on the Romantic poets but instead we are looking at the Beat Generation and Ginsberg's lectures analyse writing style as well as giving us all the gossip.
My favourite thing was Ginsberg highlighting what writing and music I inspired the Beats' works. As I writer I love seeing the thought process behind a piece of work. Seeing Russian literature and French poetry amongst other familiar titles on my bookshelf was quite heartwarming knowing Ginsberg was inspired by the same books.
The structure of these lectures is quite loose and a bit repetitive - but Bill Morgan has done a wonderful job at editing Ginsberg's lectures yet still keeping his chatty personality. I applaud Bill Morgan for his editing skills because I understand how difficult it would've been.
If you love the Beat Generation, this is essential reading.
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