Bukowski and the Beats

by Jean-François Duval

Literary Nonfiction. Commentary. Interviews. Translated from the French by Alison Ardron. There are several reasons for this book. The principle one is pleasure—the pure joy of returning to Charles Bukowski and to the Beats, by dipping into their legend—particularly since the Beat movement is now enjoying a lively revival of attention through new editions, appearances of previously unpublished material, exhibitions, and other events. There is also the pleasure of rediscovering Charles Bukowski, cult author whose reputation continues to grow steadily all over the world. The full drama of his humor, of his angers, memories, frustrations, and distinctive grace come to life during Jean-François Duval's long interview with An Evening at Buk's Place . The pleasure also consists of having a close look at the links and contradictions between Bukowski and the Beat constellation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been interested in the writers of the beat generation, and so apparently is Jean-François Duval whose Bukowski and the Beats: A Commentary on the Beat Generation. Followed by "An Evening at Buk's Place" is an excellent intro not only to Charles Bukowski but all the so-called Beatnik authors. With its extensive notes and bibliography it is also an outstanding reference work.

At the end is a long interview that Duval conducted with Bukowski and his wife at their San Pedro home.

[Madison]

The best part is the interview, but it's really great.

[John Opalenik · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I heard they wrote a whole book on the subject of Bukowski and the Beats, I thought there'd be more overlap.

[Nicolò Peroncini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Siamo un po’ tutti figli della beat.
E se stare al mondo e essere felice ti sembrano due buffi concetti in contrasto tra loro, probabilmente questo libro potrebbe servirti. O forse no. Forse dovresti concentrati sulla macrobiotica, o sulla meditazione, sulla metempsicosi, sull’ascolto del grunge o a percorre la strada, una qualsiasi.
E poi, forse, il libro potrebbe servirti davvero.
Non ne sono sicuro.
È buffo. Tutto quanto lo è. Come un film sulla vita di Bukowski, girato da Woody Allen.
Oh Man, I’m so beat.

[Scott Holstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the best book on Bukowski, but with the inclusion of his association with the Beats (loosely), it makes for an interesting read. If you're a fan, you'll want it.

[Yılmaz Bek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bukowski'yi hakkında yazılanlardan değil de onu gerçekten araştıran birinden ve birazda kendi ağzından tanımak için okunması elzem bir kitap...

[Matthew Stolte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eternally inspired by the non-meeting of Buk & WSB detailed in this collection, ending with one of Buk's ever entertaining interviews, this one including Linda.

[Tom Janssen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must say I haven't read the entire thing. It seemed to consist of loose ties that tried to tell the story of the beats and Bukowski as a narrative but failed due to lack of focus. I couldn't exactly figure out where the author wanted to go with it and what the goal of the book was, however, the interview at the end with Bukowski and his wife Linda was great, and the book is worth owning just for that reason.

[Renate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine read for anyone interested in either of the two titular subjects. What made it worth four stars for me, though, was the transcribed interview with Bukowski and his wife, Linda, at the end - what a charming couple!

[Tommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, quick read for Hank fans.