Here to Go

by Terry Wilson

A collection of exclusive interviews with, and writings by, Brion Gysin - Beat writer, artist, and long-term collaborator of William Burroughs. Fully illustrated, and with a preface by Burroughs, Here To Go comprehensively documents the life, work and philosophy of one of the 20th century's most neglected, yet visionary polymaths.

Genres: Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[Chaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very insightful and interesting look at the mystic/artist/writer Gysin. The book is a hodgepodge of his writings, artwork, and some interview snippets. I highly recommend this book for any fan of Burroughs or the beat generation. If you're looking for some more info on this societal neglected genius -- this is a good place to start.

[Giselle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was surprisingly fascinating. From running a restaurant so he could listen to the Musicians of Jakouka every day, to inventing the dream machine, Gysin was a visionary, ahead of his time. He shouldn't be seen as a footnote in W.S Burrough's life, but rather considered on his own merits.

[McZine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can keep smiling, I can keep laughing and I can keep going!
This book is an inspiration.
We are here to go.
Don't go before you've read it.

See you in the dream machine!

[Mat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books gives great insight into a brilliant mind an artist who has been largely overlooked or forgotten. Brion Gysin was not only a mentor to William Burroughs, but was also the person who rediscovered the cut-ups and introduced them to Burroughs, invented something called the Dream Machine and continued on in the vein of Gertrude Stein with his permutation poems.

The interviews between Gysin and Terry jump from and cover a large number of varying topics - such as his childhood, painting, Hassan i Sabbah, collaborating with Burroughs and Ian Sommerville, as well as the story behind Minutes to Go which he published along with Burroughs, Beiles, and Corso. He also points out quite clearly how he and Burroughs are different or what they disagreed about. I was surprised that he mentioned Kerouac and how he thought it was a shame they never got the chance to meet.

The most fascinating part of the book was actually a part written by Burroughs, where he talks about the experience he goes through gazing at a Gysin painting. That section was beautifully written. I can't help thinking that Burroughs was in love with Gysin, even though they were never lovers.

All in all, a wonderfully informative and entertaining portait of a very underrated artists who deserves greater attention from the public.

[Carlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

i've read and re-read this sumbitch 150 times. always more to see.