Death & Fame

Allen Ginsberg was one of the bravest and most admired poets of this century. Famous for energizing the Beat Generation literary movement upon his historic encounter with Gregory Corso, Jack Kerouac, and William Burroughs in mid-century New York City, Ginsberg influenced several generations of writers, musicians, and poets. When he died on April 5, 1997, we lost one of the greatest figures of twentieth-century American literary and cultural history. This singular volume of final poems commemorated the anniversary of Ginsberg's death, and includes the verses he wrote in the years shortly before he died.

In the title poem of Death & Fame, Ginsberg ponders his life, and, in his own inimitable way, how he would like his funeral arranged and who would be there. He reflects on his life as a celebrity, contemplating past lovers, friends, and fans. In "The Ballad of the Skeletons," Ginsberg shares his always unsettling and controversial thoughts on America's political and social systems. "Things I'll Not Do (Nostalias)," the most poignant poem in the collection, was written just six days before he died. Ginsberg ruminates on the people, places, and events that held importance for him but that he will leave behind. In all of the poems, Ginsberg's signature style and unique perspective are remarkably present as we are allowed one last glimpse into the workings of his mind.