Allen Ginsberg s epic poem Howl, written in 1955, is one of the defining works of the Beat Generation, despite having been labeled obscene when it was first published. A harsh denunciation of American capitalism and conformity, the poem drew scenes, characters, and situations from Ginsberg s life, a life reexamined here by Ginsberg s former editor and researcher, Steve Finbow. In this new biography, Finbow considers the poetry and politics of the poet and activist and discusses his position in American letters and culture.Moving from Ginsberg s childhood with his poet father and schizophrenic...