Allen Ginsberg was an influential twentieth-century poet whose work has been widely critically acclaimed. This website is a Lamar Critical Edition dedicated to unpacking one of his most famous and impactful poems, "Howl." This is a guide to understanding the context surrounding the poem, scholarly discussion about the poem, and various readings of the poem.
Contents:
- If you have never read "Howl," then we advise you to click on the link titled "Howl by Allen Ginsberg" on the navigation sidebar before proceeding any further. There, you will find the full text.
- The "Historical Context" section contains short essays explaining important and contemporary events that surround "Howl's" legacy.
- We have prepared five "Article Summaries" that encompass some of the most popular discussion concerning both the nature of "Howl's" significance in American history as well as what all occurred to facilitate its impact.
- We also have five "Critical Essays" that explore various interpretations and themes of "Howl"