Republished with a new cover and a new introduction by David Amram, this publication includes forewords by two legendary Beat writers, William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg. New rare sketches and notes from the author's personal journal, forewords from two of the world's leading poets of the Beat Generation, and an introduction by David Amram, the man who collaborated with Jack Kerouac in the first-ever live poetry reading in 1957, are collected here for the first time in this revised and unique edition of Mindfield. This poetry is an affront to all that limits, restrains, or frightens. "Death I unsalute you," Gregory declares. Beyond energy and sheer brilliance, these poems offer the wisdom of a man unstuck and a mind content with the freedom of knowing truth without being afraid of it.
Corso, the fourth Beat never as well-known as the holy trinity of Kerouac Ginsberg Burroughs, Poet's Poet, starving artist bum madman addict jerk & joker. He wrote numerous undeniable classics, like Bomb, Marriage, I am 25, and Columbia U Poesy Reading--1975. Some of his lines are the definition of pure poetry. He earned his place at the table with the greats of the Beat Generation. His style's less experimental than the other beats; he adhered more to traditional romantic poetry like his hero Shelley. Legend has it that he read the entire Oxford English Dictionary while he was in jail, and it shows in his lovely vocabulary. Without Corso, I never would have heard of words like talaria & autochthonic. For most readers, this collection will be all the Corso you will ever need. Completists will want to buy his individual books, but with the exception of a gem here & there, you'll likely find that you're not missing much. One exception might be the long hand-written section of poems & drawings about ancient Egypt in "Elegiac Feelings American." Definitely a must-have for any fan of the beats, and possibly for those looking for something less wild & experimental than the other beats.
Thoughts on Corso
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
If you like Ginsberg, you'll undoubtedly love Corso. If there is to be any collection that represents his art, this is it. I found out about Corso through a Professor at the old College I used to attend while I was writing some of my own work, and practicing with the art of poetry. For any writers and readers of poetry, if you want something out there, stretching the boundaries of form, if you want beat poetry at its heart, this is the book for you.
It Wins You Over
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
I was all prepared not to like this book... but by the time I was 3/4 through...it won me over. It's really very good...no wonder Corso inspired his famous friends.
An American original
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Mindfield is an expansive retrospective of poems by one Gregorio Anuzio Corso. This guy is one of the original Beats. He was part of the original seven of Ginsberg, Kerouac, Burroughs, Huncke, Holmes, Cassidy and Corso. Corso wrote an excellent collection called Gasoline which is generously represented in this book. This volume also includes poems from Corsos books for New Directions. Poems like Bomb and Marriage are Beat classics. Long Live Man should be retitled Long Live Corso! Corso never attained the level of noteriety of Ginsberg, Kerouac or Burroughs but there is work in this collection that will really make you wonder why. Shorter poems like Italian Extravaganza and I Am 25 really hit the spot. (amazingly Corso can still pull off I Am 25 at readings even as he reaches the age of 70) This is American poetry by an American original. It would be great to see Corso garner the recognizion that he has so long deserved.
A Prankster's dream
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
this book is an absolute dream for those of us who were not able to join Kesey and the Merry Pranskters first hand. And after reading Electric Koolaid it was nice to hear first hand what went on. I loved this book. ---young but still on the bus
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.