White Books

This book offers a great compilation of fishing information, recommendations, locations and good ol' fish stories that is a must-have if you consider or if you do fish the White River System of Arkansas and Missouri. Steve has all the essential scoop plus great added information that is helpful to the seasoned veteran as well as the first-timer to the area. You will read this book over and over and refer to it often when it comes time to go fishing. Get two copies so your friend doesn't "borrow" it forever. A Must Have!

A good friend of mine about 4 years ago was telling me about this amazing book he purchased. I borrowed it from him one day, and unfortunately for him, I have yet to return it.Sorry, Micah!One day I'll return, but it will be difficult!This book is amazing! I am 26 years of age, and began trout fishing when I was 7. It's amazing how addictive trout fishing is, and how it gets in your blood. Only duck hunting can compare, for those of you that know what I'm talking about! Since 1999, several old high buddies and myself have frequented the Norfork River resort at the town of Norfork for a little reunion and some good trout fishing. We usually go sometime in late winter, usually late Feb. or early March. Each year we have come back, I always start reading my Ozark Trout Tales book to freshen up on my strategies and techniques on how I'm going to fish. Most of all, this book gets me pumped up about the upcoming trip. About a month before the trip, I literally fall asleep almost every night reading a few of the stories from this book. My wife thinks I have a serious problem! I can't recommend this book enough for you trout anglers. I have read this book cover to cover probably about 20 times, maybe more! Trust me, you'll do the same!

The book is a compilation of the author's articles on all aspects of fishing the Arkansas and Missouri tailwaters of the White River system. All manner of tackle and technique are discussed and there are in-depth interviews with area fishermen. It's an interesting look at the unique fishing culture of the area.

In Ozark Trout Tales, the author has captured the essence of Arkansas and Southernwestern Missouri tailwater trout fishing. The book describes the series of tailwaters in the White River system. A section is dedicated to the Little Red River, a tailwater stream that merits more attention than it receives due to its constant production of record-sized brown trout. The book includes maps and information on public access areas. Excellent tips on fishing methods and materials for each tailwater section are found throughout the text. Articles about men such as Dave Whitlock, Chuck Davidson, and others who were instrumental in the development of one of the world's great trout fisheries make for interesting reading. This book is the encyclopedia of Arkansas trout fishing!

This is the only book or map that I have ever found that maps out every aspect of the white river system. It shows all the public accesses and ramps. It also shows where all the trout docks are located, and it gives you the names of all the shoals and river names given to different parts of the river. For anyone who wants to fish this river or who want to know how to fish it -- this is one of the best books you will ever find. It also gives great tips from some of the guides who have worked this river for many years -- it will save you a lot of time and money if you just follow their advice. This book is worth twice the price!! I know because I fish this river and the book helped me to learn quickly all the names of the eddies and shoals that can be a hazard if you're not aware of them.

My boyfriend and I went and paddled the Wilderness Waterway through the Everglades National Park in February 2008 using this guidebook, a compass and the appropriate nautical charts. We had never been to Florida before, nor had we ever undertaken such a long canoe trip. The experience was exhilarating. Route finding through the mangrove forest was very challenging, but by stopping, rereading Johnny Malloy's route descriptions as we progressed, and trusting the compass, we never did make a wrong turn. Without this guide, I'm not sure that would have been true.

I was disappointed to be advised by people we met along the paddle that the "Nightmare Route" would not be passable after the most recent hurricanes of 2005 because of fallen trees and the fact that the ranger service does not maintain the route. After reading this guide, which was published in 2000, I had been totally sold on the idea of paddling the "Quintessential Everglades Route." I don't know if it is actually not passable, but we decided not to take the chance. Anyone interested should pursue more updated information. The North Harney River Route, however, was passable and satisfied some of that desire to paddle the route less taken.

If you don't know what no-see-ums are, investigate protecting yourself from them before you go. Yikes!

This book was extremely helpful to plan a trip in the everglades and then was also helpful when changes were necessary last minute due to weather. It is an invaluable tool for anyone interested. It's informative, well written and yet "small and light" enough to take when space and weight are factors. Highly recommended to all.

We used this book to plan a trip to the glades. The info inside and maps helped a lot. WE still needed a good chart but the maps made it easier to nav. The info on camp sites and routes were pretty accurate.

I found this book extremely helpful; even having paddled the 'Glades twice already. This book will allow me to take "The road less travelled," on this, my third trip thru the 'Glades. I would highly recommend this to anyone planning to paddle the Wilderness Waterway, or parts thereof.

As an experienced Everglades paddler who has logged over 400 miles in the Everglades backcountry, I can't say enough about this book. Johnny Molloy has provided a level of detail that is truly extraordinary, and his descriptions of the trails and campsites are dead on the money. The maps alone make this book worth having. This book should find a permanent place of your list of indispensable equipment for planning and conducting an Everglades backcountry expedition.

For Novices, all they need to know to be respectful, comfortable and a vital part of the experience. Good job!

This book provides an excellent overview of native ceremonies. You feel that Julia lives what she is writing about. An excellent book for those who want to get involved in native philosophy seriously.

Julia provides her reader with a straight forward and easy to understand guide to Pow Wows. She provides all the information they need to get the most out of their Pow Wow experience.

Julia White has captured the essence of the pow wow. The information provides the proper protocol for being part of a pow wow to prepare the viewer as a courteous participant. I particularly enjoyed Julia's descriptions of the various dances. I have been to several pow wows and have seen "guests" do all the wrong things and act in a way that would be considered offensive to Native Americans who are sharing their culture with us. These events are "gifts" to those of other nationalities and it is important to show respect when attending a pow wow. These ceremonies have sacred meaning and it is incumbent upon us to to know what is expected of guests. Julia presents the information in an interesting manner - straightforward yet very easy reading. The supplemental information about Native American background leaves me wanting to know more. Her knowledge is exemplary and she herself is a very special person. I highly recommend this book to any who attends pow wows or just wants to gain additional insight into the Native American culture. I personally appreciate that I can go to a pow wow and act in an appropriate manner. I hope Julia White is planning on writing additional books. I will be first in line for anything else she comes out with.

This excellent book tells in great detail and wondeful illustration, the history and tradition of the modern Native American Pow Wow. Readers will find great information on where to find Pow Wow's as well as how to act when they attend one. A must read for all those interested in Native culture.

Best Book Ever, if you're in to Gram or Rock/Americana bios. This is the 4th copy I've bought, 3 as gifts.

It's very easy to read, very entertaining, and you have to wonder how this guy has managed to live so long and so much. I had never heard of Phil Kaufman until I saw the movie "Grand Theft Parsons." I am a Gram Parsons music fan, but never knew his body was "liberated" and burned in Joshua Tree, CA. Thinking this can't be true, I researched on the internet, found this book and decided to check it out.
The stories are funny and unique, and I'm a little less naive about some of these people and the times they lived in.

I love this book! It's the funny and heart-felt inside story of the life and times of a rock music insider.Heck,he was the manager for some of thee best darn musical acts in the history of rock and country music.Period.He was not just their bodyguard,he was their friend and mentor as well.He laments about not being there to protect Brian Jones from the druggy landscaper ,who beat him over the head with a shovel.Jones was then dumped into a swimming pool,to make it look accidental.Phil Kaufman was earlier fired by the Stones ,that crazy and care-free Summer of 1969.It's not his fault Brian later died.It's amazing their musical act is still top-notch after touring for fourty plus years. Later ,Phil helped Manson record an album called ,"LIE". Everyone in the music industry,did not want anything to do with Charles Manson.And even Terry Melchoir and Dennis Wilson gave up on Manson and his Family,when the sessions began to fall apart.(Manson sounded more like Bobby Darrin the Crooner than a psychodelic hipster.)Manson's music is awesome ,yet their sinister religious beliefs led to the terrible slayings that landed most of the Family ,on ice .Manson was very charasmatic and had impressive song writing and singing ability.Yet, his age played a strong barrier in an industry obsessed with beauty and youth.Phil blames himself for the LaBianca murders,because Phil was one of Manson's targets.Phil was not home ,at his bungaloo,so the Mansonites went next-door to the LaBianca's mansion.So,the urban myth goes.It turns out that Leno LaBianca owed large amounts of money ,in gambling loses .He was using money from his super-market empire to cover some of his loses.I think Manson's heroin supplier was aware of this.And directed the Mansons to go next-door,if Phil was not at his bungaloo.Of course,'someone' had called Phil away from the scene ,earlier that evening.It's no surprise and no one blames Phil for leaving the hippy-dippy L.A. scene for the real Music City of Nashville. -Ps-Gram(O'Kelley)Parsons died way to soon.Gram Parsons was like the real-life Keith(Cassidy)Partidge in many ways. -If you know the story, behind the music, it adds to the enjoyment of reading this excellent musical autobiography.Bright Blessings and God Speed to Phil Kaufman.Buy this book !

Incredible tale of an amazing guy. We have known each other for over 60 years and I can vouch for the accuracy of his story. Many men lead lives of quiet desperation - not Philip Kaufman. His every moment is an adventure filled with humor and exuberance.

I first became interested in Phil Kaufman after watching the bonus footage section on the DVD "Grand Theft Parsons". After a little internet searching I came across this book. I am so glad that I did! What an amazing story. If there weren't photos & liner notes to back up this man's tale one might not believe it. Phil, known as "The Mangler", has gone from being a former inmate & friend to a pre-Helter Skelter Charlie Manson to the Executive Nanny of the Rolling Stones. He has been an inspiration to the likes of Frank Zappa & fulfilled the now infamous last wish of his friend & colleague Gram Parsons. He has traveled the world with such acts as Joe Cocker & long time friend Emmylou Harris. He has acted in Hollywood, riden across England by Harley & has Mangled his way through rock & roll. His body's tattoos seem to be as colorful as his vocabulary & memory. In the words of actress Elizabeth Ashley, the Mangler seems to truly be "terribly funny, mythological & charismatic". To read him is to love him. Even if you are not interested in the music industry, you have to read this man's story. It will keep you laughing & dazzled the whole way through. May Phil continue his Mangling ways for many years to come!

This is one of my first expedition kayaking books, bought back in '93. Many of the facts presented there still stick with me. The newest edition is the best yet. Dowd's writing is accurate, interesting, and necessary for a sport that is so much fun but has a dearth of writers able to translate that fun into print. Really makes one want to go kayak! Highly recommended.

This is a great book! I read it as a beginner, and will hold onto it as a reference. Anyone who kayaks should know the info in this book. Written with enthusiasm for the sport, it is not at all a dry read.(Pun intended.)

I am not an avid reader, and I usually lose interest in a book and place it on the shelf mid way through if the author doesn't keep my interest. John Dowd had not only captivated my interest, but made it hard for me to put it down. Some of the best and informative information about Sea Kayaking that I have read yet. It should be a "Must Read" for any person involved in the sport of Sea Kayaking, beginner to novice. 5 Star Rating above all others!!!

Dowd has a way of sounding like your dad and the tone of the book is very relaxed and easy to follow. It claims to be pitched at intermediate kayakers starting out on expeditions yet basic skills like bracing, sculling and rolling are included. Even the most basic things that are left out are assumed by their absence and that keeps the book from being patronising in an overly wordy `beginners guide' type way.

He gives a very informative overview of the sport and its locations from polar kayaking to the tropics. He also gives a reassuring overview of a sea kayak's `sea worthiness' (dependent on the paddler) explaining some hurricane force winds he has personally endured in a kayak. He also discusses at length the issue of kayaking alone and concludes that one can kayak safely alone, in fact he even suggests kayaking in numbers can give a false sense of security.

Dowd discusses buying a kayak and refreshingly advises `keep in my mind your original image - how you saw yourself with your boat' which I found to be excellent advice.

This book is a very good introduction to sea kayaking and an interesting read. It is also a bible-like source of information. As Paul Theroux said on the jacket "quiet simply the best book available on this wonderful sport"

This is a fabulous book on sea kayaking. I loved reading it because of the very useful information and mix of serious and humorous writing styles. A must read - and you'll want to read it several times to soak up all the great information. Highly recommended for any kayaker. His exploits are impressive and inspiring.

Do you want to understand who God is and what he's up to in your life? Make this the first book you read. James Emery White weaves decisive prose in a straightforward fashion to touch the soul of those who are drawn to God and want to know more. Are you seeking? Do you know someone else who is seeking? Get it. In both cases, the reader will be enriched by truths that penetrate.

J.E.White does an incredible job of weaving stories and Truth together to crank out a work that is both readable and enlightening...

A great book in a few cases...

1) If you are a Christ-follower and have a friend who has questions... and you're not sure where to go for answers... they are very accesible in this book.

2) If you have a friend who would read it... who is searching Truth themselves... Buy them the book (and you read it, too, so that you can discuss the concepts).

3) If you are seeking Truth... Definitely a good one to read. I know, there's a lot of stuff out there that's out of balance, or hard to wade through... not so here.

This book is a very authentic treatment of the questions that someone 'searching for the spiritual' would ask. It has value to the seeker as it simply asks and answers these questions in a very respectful way; it has value for the believer as it provides clear answers that can be shared. I keep several on my bookshelf to share with friends who are willing to engage a conversation about the Christian faith.

I stumbled across this book a year ago at a thrift store. I had been out of the faith for 18 years, and this helped me immensely get past many of the misconceptions I had from my youth. It was as though this was written exclusively for my life and thoughts.

I now give away this book to seekers or potential seekers. Its size isn't daunting, but gives an excellent overview of many of the most stifling objections to Christianity. It starts out, appropriately, setting the mindset for the reader to read and explore the contents with an open mind. Many stories and biblical references, as well as references to other resources.
With this, I was able to look at my spiritual journey anew, was open enough to find a church that satisfied my adult need for spiritual growth (even though completely different than the denomination of my youth) and now even my wife had accepted Jesus as her Lord.

James Emery White's new book, A Search for the Spiritual is a compact tour de force writen to guide the unsaved to a life with Jesus Christ. The book, however, will be an inspiration to anyone who reads it. I plan on giving my copy to an unsaved friend tonight. This book presents a succinct and thoroughly researched brief as to why humans are spiritual persons and why Christianity has been such a powerful force for the past 2000 years. It is because Jesus is the Son of God. Accept Him and your life will change forever!

The author of this book really seems to understand the unfortunate ins and outs of a divorced family and really shows how it affects each member of the divorce (children, the betrayed one, the betrayer) so from that standpoint; it is a really good read. The mystery/suspense aspect of the book was also engaging. The amount of attraction between Josh and Marilyn seemed a little unrealistic. . . and one is left to wonder if a man would REALLY continue perusing someone who had so blatantly told him so many times that she was not interested in him, as well as being extremely rude. I guess the part (for me) which seemed the most ridiculous is the premise of the whole series, and that is the idea of seven college friends staying in touch after 10 years. That they would still all be so close with each other, share monthly conference calls (like that would really work anyway) and (puleeze) get together twice a year, is not believable at all. Other than that (minor detail!), I enjoyed the novel.

This is an awesome book and an awesome series. You will laugh, cry, and adore this story line. Debra White Smith has a way of touching your heart with real life issues that you can relate to and that bring you closer in your relationship with the Lord.

I really enjoyed this book, and would very highly recommend it to anyone. I would give it more stars if I could. It's romantic and has a great and entertaining storyline.

This is my first of I am sure many Debra White Smith books. I absolutely loved this one. The author kept you wishing the couple would get together and you could feel the suspense of impending danger. I can't wait to read the sequels.

This book delt with the tough issue of divorice, of a pastor. It showed the consequences of such a decisions and how it affects all those around you especially a child. I thought she did a superb job in presenting the reality of it. There was also a message of forgiveness for things in our past and suspense. I am looking forward to reading the other "sisters" series. If you like romance, suspense and a really great story, then try this. You won't be disappointed.

Kudos for courageous research broaching a very historical, controversial, multidemensional,emotionally charged and confusing topic[race matters]with tremendous personal responsibility,candor with clarity,and intellectual and emotional maturity. This is a ground breaking piece of work that deserves investigation and recognition.

Silent Racism is a powerful book. Racism IS THERE though we are NOT AWARE. Trepagnier has brought an important concern to the forefront and addressed it head on.

Written by a person who seem to have spent some time studying the subject. She identifies the major issues blocking most people from understanding their internalized feeling about people of color. Although she writes mostly about the relationships between Whites and Blacks, she does state the other people's of color are affected in a like manner. I do wish to point out that the relationship between Native (Indian) Americans and white American society is still predicated on the stereotypical views of the western world. Perhaps it is easier to view what has been done to Native people if this continent is continued to be viewed as empty, or sparsely populated. Then manifest destiny and doctrine of discovery seem to be easier of the social pallet of America. If the world view of Native people is not taken into consideration I doubt that there will be much progress in the relationship status of Native Americans and whites in this country. I believe our society needs to do a lot of work to get over its fear treating Native people, and all people of color, with more dignity

It's disconcerting to realize that sometimes my best efforts at NOT being racist have been just that. This book helped me realize the necessity of self-examination to expose those ways in which I'm participating in the racial divide, not by obvious acts of prejudice but by leaving my assumptions unchallenged. This is a very important book.

This is an amazing book. Anyone concerned about race and racism should read it! Trepagnier's interviews with white women who are "well meaning" and concerned with racism are enlightening. For example, some of the women discussed (oftentimes, somewhat unconsciously) stereotypes that they have about African Americans. The author challenges readers to stop thinking of ourselves and other people as being in the categories of "racist" or "not racist." Doing so discourages us from becoming what Trepagnier refers to as more "racially aware." I encourage people to read the book, buy it for others, and TALK about the issues it raises. It's one of the ways to increase racial awareness. Given many recent events reported in the media, it's clear that racial awareness is a worthwhile and important goal.

Jerry White's book, The Spirit and Presence of Christ, cuts through the "Religious Noise" that is so often invoked when a discussion on the work of the Holy Spirit is undertaken.

His direct, through and often deeply personal style speaks to the heart of the individual who is seeking after a deeper and more meaningful relationship with his/her Creator. Jerry weaves the truths of the scriptures and the lessons of his own journey into a narrative that is both biblical and approachable for us all.

This book is a "must read" for any one yearning to live in His Presence.

Jerald White's book, The Spirit and Presence of Christ, is a book written for thirsty Christians. Those believers who have grown weary of living the Christian life in their own strength and power and with the ever nagging thought, "Is there more to the Christian life than this?" should read this book.

Jesus said, "If anyone thirsts let him come to me and drink and out of his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water" (Jn. 7.37-38). Jesus was speaking of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 7.39). This book helps thirsty believers learn how to appropriate that living water into their daily experiences.

The author uses a combination of biblical teaching and personal testimonies to encourage and lead the reader into a deeper experience with the Holy Spirit. For those familiar with the writings of A. W. Tozer, The Spirit and Presence of Christ, follows in that line. The book concludes with a study guide to help the reader to reflect on the teachings in each chapter and apply the truths taught in the chapter to the reader's life.

White has done a great service to the body of Christ by distilling a lifetime of study and Christian living into an easy to read and understand book on appropriating the ministry of God's Spirit in the Christian's life.

If you've ever read the New Testament book of Acts and wondered why today's church doesn't have that same power and impact, THE SPIRIT AND PRESENCE OF CHRIST is for you. God's promise is that we can have spiritual fullness in the presence of Christ. This book talks about how that can happen.

Author Jerry White has spent a lifetime seeking to know God and His purposes. THE SPIRIT AND PRESENCE OF CHRIST reveals White's own spiritual journey, biblical truths, and stories of God's transforming power in the lives of believers around the globe and throughout history.

This book will help readers break away from the powerless routine of Christian living that many of us experience and discover the promise of fullness--God's intention for each of us!

Without the waste of wordiness, yet with terse tenderness, Jerry White charts two journeys in his book: his journey and the Biblical journey with a singular destination; the fullness of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The integrity, the humility, and the humanity with which he writes are disarming. This author, with the accumulating years of reading what others have written, and what God has written in His book, now writes with the wealth of authenticity.
For those with a hunger for the Spirit in fullness, and for those who need to learn of such hunger, this book is what the academic world calls, "required reading".
Thank you, Spirit of God, for blowing fresh wind across the pen of Jerry White.

I've read many books on the Holy Spirit over the years. Some were Biblical and helpful, and others weren't. We are hearing much today about the "amazing things the Holy Spirit is doing" or the "new things" the Holy Spirit is doing. Many people are getting caught up in looking for an experience or some supernatural sign from God when what they really need is a personal relationship with Christ that is based on an intimate walk with Him in the fulness of the Holy Spirit. Jerry White writes from decades of experience in seeking for, finding, and helping others find the fulness of the Spirit that the Lord promises to all (and desires for all) His children. I know that the things he writes about in this book are true -- I was there during the meetings in Japan about which he writes. I highly recommend this book to any who long for a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Incredible chronicle of Ginsberg's own evolution and that of the writers and friends close to him. Ginsberg's words are always expertly chosen, his insights both revolutionary and compassionate. Introductions and footnotes are helpful and interesting and overall the reader can tell the familiarity, knowledge and care taken to select and compile these interviews on the part of the editor. A life changing read.

Here is where Ginsberg's brilliance is perhaps best shown. In conversation, he revealed his passion and sharpness for all topics. His "poems" should probably not be called poems, but instead exercises in poetic freedom, which is ultimately a futile task, especially when approached for the mere sake of asserting more freedom. One is baffled at the mere badness of his poems, which are not in the Whitmanian vane at all, but in the vane of bloated mounds of words. Nonetheless, Ginsberg, the "excitable visionary Jewish Budhist," is beautifully and swiftly rendered in these interviews.

"Spontaneous mind," a collection of interviews, is an uncensored perspective of Allen Ginsberg's life, work and the events of his time. The poet felt the interview was an art form, an opportunity to discuss and teach about writing, music, spirituality and whatever topic may surface. Although some celebrities may shun the interview, Ginsberg clearly held a passion for the medium which is quite palpable throughout this collection. In fact, Ginsberg does not flinch at any of the questions, but instead attacks them with fervor and honesty.

The editor, David Carter, includes several vigorous and worthy spars. A conservative William Buckley begets a heated discussion about America in 1968 concerning drugs, censorship and the Vietnam War. A stoic Christian confronts the Buddhist devotee with God's Word. Ginsberg patiently reaches for truth and understanding with compassion in every interview. He is generous with his thoughts but at times the interviews are long-winded. This is the inherent danger of being spontaneous, the cliche of beatniks being free-spirits who spout non-sequiturs off the top of their heads seems eerily true at times. However, the text is a lucid portal for the reader to glimpse the beatnik world through the eyes of one of its gods. Ginsberg's history is an indelible part of beatnik culture. William Blake, Walt Whitman, Jack Kerouac and numerous other notable influences are also discussed.

Bohdan Kot

Brilliant, transformative and mind expanding like Allen himself. The freedom he sought and found and shared is here. A most generous heart. I also recommend Beat Writers at Work, especially for the chapter on a semester in one of Ginsberg's classes.

This book is loaded with information and after almost 600 pages later; here I am with an overview. Most of the books I read tend to be around 200 to 300 pages, so this book is like two or three books put together, consisting of different interviews from the 1950's to the 1990's and a very mixed bag, packed with intriguing thoughts of poetry, prosody, prose, Ginsberg and the Beatific scene that emerged from the late 1940's that subsequently influenced the psychedelic generation of the 60's.

There is some real insightful information on poetry here, very educational and foundational to the beatnik poetic movement, and poetry in general. Ginsberg relates his influential poets that inspired him, molding his thought processes and way of life. From Ezra Pounds, Walt Whitman, the painter Cézanne, William Carlos Williams, Gertrude Stein, Rimbaud and from 1948 a mystical experience with the words of William Blake, whose voice appeared to him after masturbating and subsequently experiencing some other mystical visions and awareness. Blake, although not a living person from our time era, became Ginsberg's guru upon the advise of an Indian teacher. In some cases of poetry and linguistic teaching of stanzas and crescendos, I was reminded of Peter Eckermann's, Conversations of Goethe and their discussions.

There are great explanations of the spontaneous style of poetry, the Buddhist flashes of thoughts that come from the spaces between thoughts, that spring up in the perception of the moment, the present flash to be written down in that precise way, the style of momentary thought speech converted into writing and there you have Kerouac and Ginsberg and Burroughs, except with Burroughs it is with flashes of mental pictures converted into words. This is not the conventional style of sitting down and organizing formal structures, nor a laid out novel or rhyming poetry, no, it is spontaneous and attempts to capture the sudden flash of idea - "first thought, best thought" as Ginsberg's later teacher the Tibetan Buddhist Lama, Chogyam Trungpa shared with him, or visa versa, and it was Trungpa's school that also endorsed the Kerouac School for Disembodied Poets. Even Shakespeare was the spontaneous poet, "every third thought will be my grave," unlike the mechanical, arid, conformity of what was taught in the Universities when Ginsberg attended in the 40's. So I say to this, hey, I guess Kerouac wasn't a babbling, rambling madman, but instead he was actual, solid, writing real bits of consciousness, at least according to Ginsberg. His words were like the jazz, the bebop of bits of everyday sudden speech, spontaneous.

Also are some great stories of the crew: Ginsberg, Burroughs, Kerouac, Cassidy, Snyder, and Orlovsky. Some of this gets rather explicit. Ginsberg was gay and I don't think that should be censored from this amazon review. In this book he is explicit in describing the love acts of himself and Kerouac, Orlovsky, Cassidy and others, including his acknowledgment of Walt Whitman homosexuality. Interestingly, in one interview, Ginsberg relates the highest love as a nonsexual male relationship - this sounds like Socrates at the Symposium.

There are also interviews relating to the Chicago Seven and it's political opposition to the conformity of the masculine police state mentality. Great thoughts on censorship, sacredness, hippie flower power, LSD, Yage, peyote, prosody, Bob Dylan, the Teton Mountains, Buddhist conceptions, the Cabala's ultimate science of ZimZum, detachment, karma, Ezra Pound, Dionysian orgies, the Berkley Renaissance, explicit sex (censorship), belly breathing, anger control, Visions of Cody, Hinduism and Woodsworth.

Of course there's a lot said of Ginsberg's poems such as Howl, Kaddish, Wichita Vortex Sutra, Fall of America and their influences and styles. There are also scores of book references that would take years to read, but nevertheless, great leads to book buying and increasing comprehension and insight into poetry, Ginsberg, Kerouac, Snyder, McClure, Corso, Ferlinghetti, Snyder, Burroughs, and the beatnik frame of no-mind.

This book teaches a lot and I am impressed at the amount of insight Ginsberg had, intellectually, emotionally, and poetically and if I can use the word "spiritually."