12 votes

Best works from the Beat Generation?

Posted by Wackles
Tags: ask.recommendations, beatniks, discovery

Hello !

I've been interested in reading some works from famous Beat Generation authors like Jack Kerouac, William Burroughs, Carolyn Cassady, Allan Ginsberg, etc.

I have yet to read any of their works but I'm not quite sure where to start. I've been thinking of 'On the Road' by Kerouac but the reviews I've been reading have been mixed. It doesn't seem like it's for everybody, especially considering the writing style. I've also been thinking of 'The Dharma Bums', also by Kerouac since it seems to be more spiritual, which is something that really resonates with me.

Anyway, if you have any recommendations/opinions I'd be more than happy to hear them. Thanks !!!

4 comments

  1. [2]
    bike
    Link
    I'm no expert, but I have always been fascinated by Howl, Part II, by Ginsberg. It starts off with: What sphinx of cement and aluminum bashed open their skulls and ate up their brains and...

    I'm no expert, but I have always been fascinated by Howl, Part II, by Ginsberg. It starts off with:

    What sphinx of cement and aluminum bashed open their skulls and ate up their brains and imagination?
    Moloch! Solitude! Filth! Ugliness! Ashcans and unobtainable dollars!

    https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/49303/howl

    3 votes
    1. acdw
      Link Parent
      Absolutely agree -- part II is my favorite part. I'd say that the entirety of Howl is a seminal Beat work, however, and would highly recommend it.

      Absolutely agree -- part II is my favorite part. I'd say that the entirety of Howl is a seminal Beat work, however, and would highly recommend it.

  2. licorice
    Link
    On the road - Jack Kerouac I started from this book and I will never forget it.

    On the road - Jack Kerouac

    I started from this book and I will never forget it.

    1 vote
  3. poweruserplus
    Link
    just dive right in with Naked Lunch, have no fear.

    just dive right in with Naked Lunch, have no fear.