Poem-a-Day: "Howl"

A poem selected by Carly Hanson, English 348:

"Howl," by Allen Ginsberg.

Read the poem, or listen to Allen Ginsberg read it.

Watch Part I:


Watch Part II:


Watch Part III:

Allen Ginsberg wrote “Howl” in 1955. This piece was included as a part of a collection called Howl and Other Poems, published in 1956 by San Francisco’s City Lights Bookstore. “Howl” was banned for obscenity shortly after. The ban was lifted after it was declared to have artistic value. “Howl” is challenging, edgy and intelligent. It is an uncouth commentary on social ideologies including religion and politics, sex and war. I recommend “Howl” to anyone who craves an adventure, a history lesson and an emotional cataclysm wrapped into one.
~Carly Hanson, UW-Eau Claire student, English 348

April is National Poetry Month! UW-Eau Claire students in English 348 (Topics in American Literature) are celebrating National Poetry Month with the McIntyre Library.

Featured poems will be listed here in the order they appear on the blog.

UW-Eau Claire's celebration of National Poetry Month is on Facebook and Twitter!

Questions or comments? Robin Miller will try to help.