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A review by audenspence
The Beats: A Graphic History by Paul M. Buhle
2.5
I really wanted to like this book. I didn’t know much about the Beat poets and was hoping that this book would show me why they were so significant and revolutionary. It didn’t entirely accomplish that aim. The first half was not very inspired, more of a set of biographies with pictures. Anything that was actually interesting about these guys (and they were all white guys in this section of the book) was glossed over to talk about how great they were. I understand that they happened to come from similar backgrounds and share similar addictions etc but after a while the information felt rote.
The second half of the book I did enjoy. There were different art styles in this half of the book which made it more engaging. These also covered the women and people of color who were part of the Beat movement so again more interesting content for me. I’m sure someone who is really into the Beats would enjoy this more than I did, but I was hoping that this book would spark an interest in me to pursue these poems, novels, and short story collections. It didn’t. But if you like Kerouac and Ginsberg maybe check this out.
The second half of the book I did enjoy. There were different art styles in this half of the book which made it more engaging. These also covered the women and people of color who were part of the Beat movement so again more interesting content for me. I’m sure someone who is really into the Beats would enjoy this more than I did, but I was hoping that this book would spark an interest in me to pursue these poems, novels, and short story collections. It didn’t. But if you like Kerouac and Ginsberg maybe check this out.