ALL: A James Broughton Reader

by James Broughton, Jack Foley (Editor), Joel Singer (Photographer)

In a life that stretched from 1913 to 1999 James Broughton witnessed and commented on the twentieth century from the point of view of an outsider. In a time aghast at its own horrors, Broughton championed laughter. He was a poet, not of the ivory tower but of the innovative street, a playful, urban voice with the notion that a poet could change the world. In a rational century, he asserted mystery.

All: A James Broughton Reader collects the range of this acclaimed poet and filmmaker.

Genres: Poetry, Classics

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

James Broughton (November 10, 1913 - May 17, 1999) was a pioneer of experimental filmmaking, a central player in California's creative literary scene, a bard of sensuality and spirituality, an invigorated gay elder, and a preacher of Big Joy. His life's work was an attempt to discover the contradictory nature of his humanity and its roots; the result was a poetic and artistic life that inspired many. Broughton's advice to filmmakers: Follow your own weird.

Broughton was part of the San Francisco Renaissance. He was an early bard of the Radical Faeries as well as a charter member of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence serving her community as Sister Sermonetta. His life story is told in the forthcoming feature-length documentary, "Big Joy: The Adventures of James Broughton," set to be released in 2013-2014.

Reviews

[C.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHY isn't EVERYONE reading this book!? Having had the EXTREME pleasure of being one of the editors/publishers of James Broughton's LITTLE SERMONS OF THE BIG JOY for Insight To Riot Press years ago, I can tell you that THIS is poetry which LIVES with you instead of preaching the spirit! When you read his poems you FEEL the awakened limbs start to shake on your body! THIS IS BLISS! THIS IS REAL BLISS! Don't be a FOOL AND MISS!

CAConrad
http://CAConrad.blogspot.com

[Mary-Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marvelous a sense of giving to the present the writing, the figuring out, the inexplicableness of journal and journey!

[Kitten Calfee · Rating 5 out of 5]

White Crane Institute, the publisher of this lovely volume, says "Our aim is to provide you with fine books of insight, discernment and spiritual discovery." That is very much reflected in this charming collection of James Broughton essays, poetry and verse.

Editor Jack Foley has assembled previously unpublished material, excerpts of rare Broughton books, and helpful contextual essays into a sparkling survey of the deeper musings of San Francisco's unofficial poet laureate. I really appreciated Jack Foley's introduction to The Androgyne Journal, full of interesting facts that helped illuminate the story of a poet's quietly powerful awakening.

This book pairs well with Packing Up for Paradise: Selected Poems 1946-1996 and Special Deliveries: New and Selected Poems, two other delightfully poetic celebrations of Broughton's Big Joy. A good selection for anyone interested in deadly serious "hilarity, euphoria and flumadiddle." I'm definitely one of those people!