Journals Early Fifties Early Sixties. By Allen Ginsberg. First Edition, First Printing. Grove Press. New York, 1977.

American poet and Buddhist Allen Ginsberg was one of the most beloved and well-connected artists of the twentieth century. He was an influential figure in the Beats Movement alongside William S. Burroughs and Jack Kerouac. He continued to be instrumental to counterculture movements into the 1960s, too, befriending artists like Ken Kesey, Bob Dylan, Hunter S. Thompson, and many others. He was also a prolific activist, speaking out against the Vietnam War, advocating for gay rights, and pushing for the decriminalization of marijuana. In this volume, Ginsberg provides his journals from crucial years in his artistic life. They recount formative periods in New York, Mexico, Berkeley, and elsewhere. The entries are candid about his artistic development and relationships. They reveal much about Ginsberg himself, but also the scenes and politics of the 1950s and 60s countercultural movements.

This first edition, first printing is in good condition. In the original cloth, good with some rubbing to edges and slightly bowed. Text block very good, only slightly cocked and remainder mark to bottom edge. In the original dust jacket, good with chipping to front panel and minor toning.

A good first edition by Allen Ginsberg.