The Typewriter Is Holy: The Complete, Uncensored History Of The Beat Generation (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
A relatively brief but comprehensive overview of the major players of the so-called "Beats", a term that some of those often included did not really accept, at least as it was generally known. The author's stated perspective that Allen Ginsberg was the lynchpin of the social group is well supported. Morgan writes clearly and the major figures (Ginsberg, Kerouac, Cassady, Burroughs) are well represented as are a number of other lesser known figures. Morgan is not shy of sharing his opinions about the writers personality issues and deficits but given his own history working with many of them or their executors he seems in a good position to have an informed perspective. Overall, while not really bringing any new information to light that has not been covered in the various individual biographies, The Typewriter is Holy is a good introduction to the Beats, their personalities and their work. This beautiful title caught my eye at the library. Alas, the rest of the book is not so poetically written! The writing in this is a little stilted -- it's clearly written by a researcher and not a poet or novelist. Still, it's a fascinating peek into the life of the Beat Poets. (Crazy, narcissistic, drug-addled brilliance.) Best read with a Beat Poetry anthology next to you as the author references poems, but doesn't provide them in the text. Go be holy, my friends.
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A different, sort of cut-up, look at the lives of the Beats from an insider.
—rakshinaru
