Study of the Beat Generation, arguably one of the most significant literary movements in American history, remains thankfully strong, with a variety of new texts each year on the plethora of writers involved. This extensive work attempts to provide both an overview as well as a critical evaluation of the writers and their work as a whole.

Volume 1 (Topics) consists of 528 pages covering issues such as The Beat Scene East and West, Censorship, Religion, Gender, the Visual Arts etc. The Overview section (136 pages) places the period into context in a manner that is solid and informative for students engaging in a first time study of the Beats.

Volumes 2 and 3 (Authors) comprise a further 1,000 plus pages dealing with specific writers and poets, (ranging alphabetically from Paul Blackburn to John Wieners) each one structured in similar fashion (Introduction, Principal Works, Commentary, Primary Sources etc.)  Although this structure may feel slightly repetitive to some readers, it does allow the content of this major work to be ‘user friendly’ and accessible. (The entire structure could be described as encyclopaedic.)

Many would ask if it is worth investing in such an expensive collection in this time of restricted budgets. However, as a reference text and one (as already noted) for the student engaging in first time serious study of the Beat Generation, this is a highly valuable collection and one that is therefore recommended. In addition, for more advanced students, or those engaging in research, the work is also a valuable starting point. The Further Readings sections, whilst variable in suggestions for a continually expanding area of study, still also offer a solid basis from which to progress.

Having examined two other collections in this Gale Thompson series (The Harlem Renaissance and Americans At War) and considered student feedback to their practical value, I would conclude that if your budget will stretch to it, they are well worthy of addition to your university library.