Allen Ginsberg was one of the most influential cultural and literary figures of the 20th century, his face and political causes familiar to millions who had never even read his poetry. This book attempts to offers a portrait of this poet by bringing together his poetry, journals, music, photographs and letters, much of it never before published.

'Everybody's serious but me.
It occurs to me that I am America.
I am talking to myself again.'

Bringing together Allen Ginsberg's poetry, letters, essays, interviews and photos - many published here for the first time - The Essential Ginsberg offers the most intimate view yet of this hugely influential writer and activist. From his early Beat verse and candidly sexual poems to the political song lyrics of his later years, this collection forms a highly personal record of the struggles and passions of a visionary master.

'An intellectually impeccable selection, distilling Ginsberg as visionary mystic and dark prophet foretelling what people in power didn't want to hear' Lawrence Ferlinghetti

'When planet earth is dust this will be one of the books to take to Mars to remember us by' Anne Waldman

Edited by Michael Schumacher