Beat Not Beat presents the next generation of California poets moving the beat tradition. Inclusive and diverse, this anthology's "not beats" are contemporary California voices loud and proud, continuing the poetic conversation of rebellion and responding to the tradition Beat paved in their styles and rhythms. Lead editor and CA Beat Poet Laureate Rich Ferguson, who coined the phrase beatnotbeat, responds to what it means: “It’s not another history focused solely on the Beat tradition."
"There are some incredible names and poems from that era in this anthology, including Bob Kaufman, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and Diane Di Prima. There are also artists on the fringe of Beat, including Jim Morrison and Wanda Coleman. But the heart of the anthology contains contemporary poets of today, and they are on fire. Living, breathing, combustible and beautiful beatnotbeat voices, with so much to say about the times we’re in right now.”
To date, the book tour has included performances by current and past Poet Laureates: Lynne Thompson, Luis J. Rodriguez, Kim Shuck, Tongo Eisen-Martin, Robert Hass, along with formidable voices such as Brendan Constantine, Marina Bukowski, Nikki Blak and Ellyn Maybe.
Publisher: Moon Tide Press
Release Date: September 21, 2022
ISBN-13: 978-1957799049
Paperback/364 pages
Editor: Rich Ferguson
Co-Editors: Alexis Rhone Fancher, S.A. Griffith and Kim Shuck