The box was labeled "Snyder Ginsberg 1956" and it had been at the Hauser Library at Reed College for over 50 years waiting for someone to open it.Finally, while at Reed researching his upcoming biography of Gary Snyder John Suiter opened the box.What did he find in it?A tape containing the earliest known recording of Allen Ginsberg reading Howl!The reading took place in February 1956 predating Ginsberg's legendary, and until now presumed first recording of Howl, which occurred at the Town Hall Theater in Berkeley on March 18, 1956.Gary Snyder, a Reed alumni (class of 1951), and Ginsberg were on...
Book Swapping for Profit
Unlimited Vision: Author Life
From flawed authors of unlimited vision come flawless literary works.There is a popular and persistent myth, where an author is imagined toscript works of wisdom effortlessly and seamlessly at an oak desk inflowing, cursive elegant hand. Adoring and admiring audiences then acceptthese masterpieces with effusive praise and glowing literary commentary.The writing life, according to lore, is one of indolence, charm, andaffluence.Contrary to the myth, it takes unlimited vision and skill to write a thinslice of life in scenes vivid enough to touch and hold interest. Forthose authors, the voice is distinct and the phrases genuine. Universaltruths ring from the paragraphs...
Book Contempt
This is the first of a series of guest posts on Book Patrol by Lynn Wienck of The Chisholm Trail Bookstore in Duncan, Oklahoma. ****************Book Contempt"Is the traditional book, with the bound, printed pages and covers, held in contempt?" I asked myself that very question based on recent and expanding book evolution in three regions: use, license, and library access.I like books for themselves finding sufficient beauty in printed words, illustrations, and bindings. Atmosphere, mystery, and excitement are found among the simple black-and-white lines of text. Why then are books utilized to generate art, furniture, lamps, and clocks? The art...
Mary Oliver: The Poet as Rock Star
The last time 71 year old Pulitzer Prize winning poet Mary Oliver visited Seattle was 2005. She made quite a splash by selling out the 900 seat Town Hall in a relatively short amount of time. The University of Washington Bookstore sold 600 copies of her books at that event making it the second most profitable reading of the year for them.This past Monday night Oliver returned to Seattle and the community response was one for the literary record books.What happened:-it was the fastest sellout in the 20 year history of the venerable Seattle Arts & Lectures series-the demand was...