Frank O'Hara Books

It's not surprising that Brad Gooch, a professional homosexual, writes a book that makes Frank O'Hara appear to be nothing more than another professional homosexual. Actually, Gooch may be right. O'Hara is an incredibly minor figure in American poetry, and this books devotes too much print to a third-rate writer who would probably best be forgotten.

This happens to be one of those heavy biographies that for better or worse include everything the author ever found out about his subject, much of which isn't worth recording. Biographers should learn that just because something's a fact doesn't make it interesting. Having said that, this book isn't without its virtues. I found the passages dealing with his interaction with artists and co-workers informative. It was very interesting to discover that O'Hara's college roommate was Edward Gorey - what an odd couple. Also, the details of O'Hara serving as Cecil Beaton's secretary were enjoyable. I did learn some things about O'Hara's sexual adventures that made me cringe (having lived through the plague years my view is compromised). Mr. Gooch has written a book full of facts and trivia - it's certainly a worthwhile chronicle of O'Hara's life. If you're looking for a more intimate portrait I recommend "Digression On Some Poems By Frank O'Hara," for a more academic look at his work look for "Poet Among Painters."

This book focused way too much on O'Hara's sex life and not enough on his work. The prose style is tedious, and I found myself skimming it through all the excruciating details about the poet's various lovers. The reader snoozes, O'Hara loses.

City Poet goes past the Frank O'Hara that readers get to know so well through his poetry. If you have read and enjoyed O'Hara's work, this book gives you the biographical background to bring your appreciation full circle. It is no quick read, but it allows you to appreciate the man behind the words through meticulous interviews with everyone who knew him.

Yes, this book is a remarkable one. But... is it truly "a book" published from a long lost manuscript written by certain "Captain F. Brinkley", as is stated in the Charles Lucas' "Introduction"? Who found it "in an old box on an old shelf of seldom-used library"? (see: "Introduction"). Who carried "a search (...) to find more of his invaluable material"? (see: conclusion). Let's say it at once: it is a hoax. Rubbish.
The material itself is truly invaluable. But the fact is, it was just ripped off from the second volume of massive "Japan" (11 vols.) by well-known British adviser to the Japanese (Meiji) government, Francis Brinkley (1840-1912), and published in 1901. The parts used in "Samurai - the Invincible Warriors" are chapters IV-VI from the volume mentioned above.
Great text - but carried by Ohara Publications with no respect for the readers. Fortunately, "Japan" was recently reprinted in its entirety by another publisher. Please enjoy.

Samurai the invincible warriors is Captain F. Brinkley's personal manuscript on life in age of the samurai. The book examines every aspect of the warriors life. This book provides many answers to questaions about the samurai and his life. There are very few pictures in the book but Brinkley paints vivid images through the text of the manuscript. The manuscript is not complete but what has been is well worth the read.

The author of this book couldn't write his (her?) way out of a paper bag, let alone understand poetry.