Allen Ginsberg's Beat Memories

[Teuthida]

Ginsberg's "snapshots" of his Beat mileu, circa 1950s, taken with his pawn shop Retina.

Suprisingly, Ginsberg was an amazing photographer. The photographs have that special something that make B&w film phtography so unique and that simply cannot be duplicated otherwise. As a bonus, if you are a Ginsberg fan, the stories the pictures tell are worth the price of the book.

Highly recommended.

 

[MichaelW]

I've seen two publications of his photos. One book was largeish format with matte paper. The other is new I think with glossy paper and more text. Sorry for the lack of info but I don't own either, was shown them by friends. I agree that Ginsberg was a very good photographer; I was surprised and impressed.

 

[rbelyell]

great time period, and as i recall very evocative shots. b&w really the only way to truly convey that era. just turned on my 18 year old nephew to On the Road, he was suitably impressed.

 

[anu L ogy]

From what I have read about him, he was actually quite a passionate photographer. I too looked at one of his books in a used photo store once and I remember thinking for someone who wasn't famous for his photography, he sure could shoot.

Also - There is a hilarious photo of Ginsberg in Jim Marshall's book called Proof. He got the expression on Ginsberg's face as Thelonious Monk walked by. Priceless.