William S Burroughs
1914-1997
William S. Burroughs was born February 5, 1914 in St, Louis Missouri. Burroughs served as a founding father to the beats movement and became one of the movements most influential authors during its time. He was a post modernist author and drew a lot of his works from his struggles as a heroine addict as well as the event of killing his own wife. Scary Right? Although he is known as a novelist, He has brought the aspect poetry in many of his works. Burroughs died in Lawerence, Kansas on August 2, 1997 from a heart attack. To learn more about William S. Burroughs click this link: Carl Solomon
1928-1993
Carl Solomon was born in the Bronx of New York City. In 1939 Solomons father passed away and this struck confusion and darkness into his life. Having nobody to look up to early in his life affected him greatly. Graduating from high school at fifteen, Solomon then went to college for a short time before joining the United States Marines. His travels overseas, led to Solomon become exposed to ideas that would inspire him and his works throughout his life. He died on February 26, 1993. To learn more about Solomon click the link below: |
Jack Kerouac
1922-1969
Jack Kerouac, who coined the term "The Beats Generation" was considered an icon and, alongside William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg, became a pioneer of the Beat Generation. Kerouac was recognized for his his work that covers a wide range of topics such as Catholic Spirituality, Jazz Music, Buddhism, drugs, poverty, and travel. He was known for being a dark lonely individual and when being discharged from the military he was labeled with a schizophrenic personality. He had a rough life and many of his writing ideas came from his rough experiences. Kerouac died on October 20, 1969 from an untreated hernia that was caused in a bar fight weeks earlirer. to learn more about Jack Kerouac click this link: Gary Snyder
1930-present
Gary Snyder was born May 8, 1930 in San Fransisco, California. As a young child Snyder suffered an injury that required him to rest for four months. during this time Snyder's parents purchased many books for him. This is the moment in his life which inspired him to take writing seriously. As Snyder grew he began to observe many cultures, as well as the people that lived in them, and this is what inspired many of his works. Snyder refuses to acknowledge himself as one of the original "Beat Writers". For more on Snyder click the link: |
Allen Ginsberg
1926–1997
Allen Ginsberg was an American poet, philosopher, and writer. He is considered to be one of the leading figures of the Beat Generation during the 1950s. He passionately opposed aspects of war, materialism, and sexism. Although, he and was known for embracing various aspects such as, his views on drugs, and openness to Eastern religions. He was one of many influential American writers of his time during "The Beat Generation", which included famous writers. Ginsberg died in New York City on April 5, 1997 of liver cancer . To learn more about Ginsberg click this link: Lawrence Ferlinghetti
1919-present
Ferlinghetti was born in the Bronx of New York City. When he was young he had grown close to poetry and began writing. The theme of water or aquatic environments runs through much of his work. Although he is not considered one of the main beats novelists/poets, he is considered one of the most influential literary Artists during the Beats Movement. His vocal leadership is about as affective as the man himself. His work challenges art and inspires artist’s to be more influential. He urges poets to be engaged in the political and cultural life of the country stating, "Poets, come out of your closets, Open your windows, open your doors, You have been holed up too long in your closed worlds... Poetry should transport the publicto higher places than other wheels can carry it." For more on Ferlinghetti click the link: |
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