Product Description
This edition is the new volume of di Prima's classic Revolutionary Letters. There are some new pieces added in, and new edits on older pieces, done by the author. A new expanded edition of Loba (twice as long as the 1978 Wingbow Press edition) was published in the Penguin Poets series in August 1998. Her autobiographical memoir, Recollections of My Life as a Woman, was published by Viking in April 2001. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

"All love is revolution"
Ranging from cutting political literalness to heart-bending humanness, these letters comprise a solid coming-of-age volume.Their greatest power comes from a question that recurs in different forms throughout: Why Not?Why not stop driving and plant flowers in cars? Why not love like crazy? Why not live your visions?Even though I now more frequently read the likes of Mary Oliver, it is this spirit of *everything as raw potential* that I so admire in Di Prima.

It is definitely a timepiece, infused with the energy of a 1960's-formed consciousness (that speaks against nuclear weapons, deforestation, police brutality, capitalism, and of course touts revolution, with touches of eastern philosophy), but a timepiece that stands vibrant.The issues Di Prima addresses are still relevant today, though it is harder to see them through the eyes of clear hope with which she writes.But again, therein lies her power.

Additionally, as one of the few published female poets emerging with the beatniks, I think it is important to give her lines a read.Yes, she can pound out that characteristic beatnik rant (though she never goes on to the extent of Ginsberg), but she can also sing a soft pulse that de-cynifies the imagination, reminds us of the dream at the heart of dreams, and revels in Life.
... Read more

Product Description
Loba is a visionary epic quest for the reintegration of the femimine, hailed by many as the great female counterpart to Allen GinsbergÆs Howl when the first half appeared in 1978. Now published for the first time in its completed form with new material, Loba, "she-wolf" in Spanish explores the wilderness at the heart of experience, through the archetype of the wolf goddess, elemental symbol of complete self-acceptance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

"It is the Word that is the Ground of Love..."
"It is the Word that is the Ground of Love..."

Diane di Prima is one of the most talented twentieth century American women poets, and the most important female figure of the Beat literary movement.She hasauthored thirty four books,including the two that have appeared in 1998,Loba, and the re-issued edition of Memoirs of a Beatnik, a classic of Beatnarrative-a witty chronicle of the cultural conditions from which it grew.When the first part of Loba first appeared in 1978, it was hailed as thefemale counterpart to Allen Ginsberg's Howl.Loba is a series of poemsforming a compact whole, presenting in a visionary manner all forms of thefemale experience. Anyone who knows Diane di Prima and her work knows thatshe is Loba, the protagonist of the work and the focal point of the poems.Loba, meaning she-wolf in Spanish, is an archetypal figure, fusingqualities that are both human and animal, terrestrial and divine. Diane diPrima's poetry has been essentially lyrical, even in its most radicalaspects, but she has chosen to define this work of her maturity as an epic,inasmuch as an epic is a narrative poetic work about a quest.As in allepics, di Prima starts in a present time that echoes the past and thatclearly foreshadows the portion of the journey to come:the conclusion.The poem opens with an invocation to the "lost moon sisters", towhom di Prima's poetry is addressed, who all partake of the divinemultiplicity of the wolf-goddess.As poet Marge Piercey commented, diPrima, in this book, has taken from many mythologies to create her own. Loba is not just one figure, rather, it is a conglomeration of there-incarnations of many personae within one character.We see the Lobaunder many other masks: in Flanders, we see her in the soft light of aVermeer painting; in the exquisite Kali-ma versions, she is "as freshas jasmine", but also bloody and ferocious; we see her also as theMaternal Principle, singing to her children or making an amulet for herdaughter; we see her as the principle of Female Creation, Lilith;geographically, we see her in the most diverse places, from Brooklyn to theBardo; we see her young, ageless and as an old hag. Born in Brooklyn in1934, having lived in Manhattan for a period of time, Diane di Prima movedto Northern California where she has lived for the past thirty years.Shehas studied Zenand Tibetan Buddhism, and has delved in the science ofalchemy and in the western magical traditions.This work summarizes herlife and work, presenting to us her poetic itinerary.In Loba di Primadeals with mythical figures from the native American mythology to theheroes of Westernmedieval romances (from Tristan and Iseult toGuinevere), to the figures of the Judeo-Christian religion in The SevenJoys of the Virgin, to the acclamations to Lilith, to the personalre-creation of the myths of classical antiquity (such as Persephone,Ariadne, Helen, et al.), to the saga of the Sumerian Goddess Inanna, andfinally to the hymns in honor of the Goddess Kali.Loba lives her owneclectic myth and encourages all of us to create our own magical reality.The superiority of the Female Principle permeates the whole volume, asopenly declared in one of the Inanna poems:"The king is expendable,but not the Queen." Di Prima has evolved from a poetry that wasessentially a poetry of protest and denunciation to a poetry that ismeditation in motion, and that includes, comforts, teaches and soothes,rather than confronts.The style is fresh, crisp, and abounds withstartling and powerful images.But there is a new, hieratic, classicaltone in many of the poems in this volume. The volume is replete withteachings, reflections and musings on life that di Prima wants to sharewith her readers, and that come forth as brief and powerful aphorisms, asin the first verse of poem "He Who Was Not Born from a Lotus": "It is the Word that is the Ground of Love. . ."In many poems,di Prima speaks like a Hermes-like messenger come down to speak to men: "I come to speak of the long & slender vase / of the goblet like asphere laid open / of the vessel with two handles, the one with none. .." The epic properly ends with a poem entitled "Persephone:Reprise", a poem about severance and rebirth.Every great poem is adescent to what di Prima calls "the fluid boundaries of Hades,"from which "we spring continuously into life & death." It is apparent that under the persona of Loba, the poet is talking aboutherself, the woman "with broom and pen," describing herself in aremarkably objective way, as if she were on the outside, looking atherself: "There is a woman who is full of grace / her lap is ample& empty / she is not abstract or sheepish / ... I warmly recommendthis volume as one of the most important books of poetry of the twentiethcentury.

A Reader from Berkeley, CA

Depth and richness, weaving present and past
I had the privilige of hearing Diane Di Prima read recently, and discovered a new found appreciation for this collection.Many of her volumes have been published as a smaller collection previously, and thenexpanded to include the later works.'Loba' is an amazingly, deceptivelylayered collection weaving together many themes and images over a length ofher life.I highly recommend this, among others! ... Read more

Product Description
In Recollections of My Life as a Woman, Diane di Prima explores the first three decades of her extraordinary life. Born into a conservative Italian American family, di Prima grew up in Brooklyn but broke away from her roots to follow through on a lifelong commitment to become a poet, first made when she was in high school. Immersing herself in Manhattan's early 1950s Bohemia, di Prima quickly emerged as a renowned poet, an influential editor, and a single mother at a time when this was unheard of. Vividly chronicling the intense, creative cauldron of those years, she recounts her revolutionary relationships and sexuality, and how her experimentation led her to define herself as a woman. What emerges is a fascinating narrative about the courage and triumph of the imagination, and how one woman discovered her role in the world.

"This journey of a young Italian American girl, through the minefields of her childhood in Brooklyn to her breakthrough as a liberated female intellectual decades before the modern women's movement began, is never less than honest and resounds with authenticity." (The Washington Post)

"These 'Recollections' are full of light and wonder." (San Francisco Chronicle) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A Must Read
Diane di Prima's "Recollections of My Life as a Woman" is a must read for anyone who loves her poetry.I found it to be incredibly insightful and enjoyable to read.Understanding her life definitely helps demystify some of her poetry, like LOBA, for instance.She is such a diverse writer and woman.Everyone who reads this will benefit from it no matter what.

The Real Thing!
This is a wonderful book, presenting a brilliant vibrant picture of a cultural movement and time, the Beats/Hippies, and a woman who embodied all the artistic and humanistic values in an incredibly pure form.To me, the book (and the woman) are inspiring in their dedication to the values of art, spontanaeity, love, and Zen naturalness.An invaluable read for women artists, especially, and also for artists in general, and people interested in a certain world view and life style.

quite the life
I found this book to be captivating. I felt as though I was right along side her on her journeys. The eras she lived through were so richly detailed. She had so much hope and energy. I never wanted this book to end.

Beat then and now
Diane di Prima is one of the most foremost andnoteworthy female writers of the Beat generation and the 20th century.She has been affiliated with such writers as Jack Keroac, Allen Ginsburg and Robert Creeley.She wrote and inspired in a mans world bringing to life a new female perspective in the 1950's.She continues to write extraordinary poetry, essays, and amazing prose.Her writing style is original and still refreshing to read fifty years later.Diane in her latest book Recollections of My Life As a Woman : The New York Years, an autobiography, goes on to embrace all aspects of her life as a woman.It was an amazing book.I enjoyed it, and I think most will, even if your forte is not beat generation history.It's a good read for others who want to learn more about the beat generation, and it's a great book because of the excellent narrative, and the obvious love she has for writing as well as life it's self.

I Cried
At the end of the book I cried because it was over.That happened once before at age 10 when I finished Black Beauty.This book hit nerves in me that hadn't been touched since On the Road.DiPrima's brilliance, toughness, honesty and forays into the unknown make me want to find her phone number so I can talk to her... this rare woman! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Pieces of a Song: Printed Divinity
To say that this collection of poems is "delightful" would be the understatement of the decade.Diane DiPrima quickly knocked her way up to being one of my favorite poets in the space of 5 days (the time it took for me to read this book !).These poems are bohemian and contemporary.They're forlorn in a controlled way, romantic but smirking, and strong willed.DiPrima truly outdid herself penning every word. ... Read more

Product Description
Long regarded as an underground classic for its gritty and unabashedly erotic portrayal of the Beat years, Memoirs of a Beatnik is a moving account of a powerful woman artist coming of age sensually and intellectually in a movement dominated by a small confederacy of men, many of whom she lived with and loved. Filled with anecdotes about her adventures in New York City, Diane di Prima's memoir shows her learning to "raise her rebellion into art," and making her way toward literary success. Memoirs of a Beatnik offers a fascinating narrative about the courage and triumphs of the imagination. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

The Beat Life, Oy Vay, What A Steamy Read
When I ordered this book I expected it to be nothing more than a slightly cleaned up recital of the beat life. My uncles told me how it was growing up about this time. They didn't tell me about this aspect of the beat life. At first I thought, this book is mere porno until I realized that this was just one facet of the beat life. An aspect that every generation has to deal with. No different, no better or no worse in learning on the run. A good book, if one to keep away from the kiddies.

Di Prima reading
Everything a beat junkie could ever want and then some.Sometimes you are or you aren't.You do or you don't. Why not? Because f-ing why not?
I liked it.A good read over all. If you are easily offended then this is not for you. Or maybe it is? If you think morality belongs in the editing room then again this is especially written for you.
If you've come here looking for answers go find you're own.

'Not Porn?'No, but not for prudes!
No, it is not porn...but it is definitely not for prudes!

This book gave me a gorgeous, ripe, sensual snapshot of the life and the times of Diane DiPrima and the subculture in which she existed.

The writing sometimes lacked, but overall - it's a juicy peach with a bittersweet aftertase.

Read with one hand free.
This book was loaned to me by a friend who swore that I would have to read it "with one hand free". While the story is very erotic, and the sex scenes are very real and compelling, I would not wholly agree with that statement. This, in part, is due to the fact that love scenes between men and women no longer do anything for me sexually. I prefer erotic writings between two women, and, though there were a few added to this book to spice things up (for me anyways) there were definitely not enough to arouse me to free one hand.

The story, however, is well written. It was an easy, delightful read, one that I polished off in two sittings. It catalogues the life of a young writer coming into her own sexuality, seizing whatever moments of transient, sensual bliss that she comes across. This book is somewhat autobiographical, cultivated from Di Prima's own experiences as a college drop out who, annoyed with the system of 1950`s education, decided to instead pursue writing full time. The main character in the story parallels her life to such a degree that the author had even named her heroine "Di Prima". The character Di Prima also flits about in the underworld of 1950's New York, inhabiting skeevy, infested pads with multiple people, coffee houses, book stores, parks, smoked out bar scenes, forests, fields, and (on one occasion) a country farm. Where the truth is obscured in this bohemian world of sex, drugs, and (pre) rock and roll is only up to the reader's decision. I know little about Di Prima myself, so I like to look at this as a fairly inventive, fictional piece of writing.

This is definitely a worthwhile read. I must admit, were I more inclined to heterosexual love scenes, I would have, indeed, read this with one hand free, seeing as how in every single chapter is a different, vivid description of one of her many sexual encounters. If you are inclined to beat writing, this is a canon of that genre. If you are a fan of erotica, how have you not read this one yet? Read it in a room, alone, or with a partner. It will get your juices flowing, if you pardon the pun.

Memoirs of a Beatnik
As someone isn't easily shocked by sex, this book was engaging. I found myself hoping to find happiness within "one" of her sexcapades. However, if you are interested in an easy read, with graphic details. Enjoy. Don't be offended. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

je l'aime
I'm a huge di Prima fan, and this is an awesome book.The More or Less Love Poems are some of my favorite of all her poetry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

A wonderful book.
I go to a somewhat conservative boarding school and lent this book to one of my writing teachers, who previously had said that there is no way that a political poem can be heartfelt. This book proves that notion wrong.Normally when people think about politics, they only think about who isrunning for office, but there is so much more than that in this book. Thisbook should be available in every library in both the poetry and politicalsection. This is an inspiring book that speaks not only to the mind, but tothe heart.

Will Work for Peace is a triumph of poetic Davids.
As one of the poets featured in Will Work for Peace, one might expect me to be a bit biased, but nothing could be farther from the truth.Mostpoets work in a virtual vacuum, only tenuously connected to each other bythe occasional workshop or shared membership in a 'poetry society'.WhenBrett Axel first approached me for a submission to an anthology he wasconsidering, the names Marge Piercy, Lyn Lifshin, Moshe Bennaroch and somany others were abstractions to me as a fledgling poet.I knew thesetremendous writers were 'out there' somewhere, beating down doors withtheir words and keeping a struggling artform alive.But to think thatsomeday I would ever share a credit with these dynamic modern poets wouldbe a pipe dream at best.It is through the sincere efforts of Brett Axelthat many newer voices like mine have an extraordinary opportunity toappear with Pulitzer Prize winners and other poetic heavyweights. Byway of an honest review, however, I will say this- not everything in thisbook will be to your particular liking.I myself came across some worksthat did not move me in the way the author may have intended.Some imagerycan be raw and visceral, using shock value in place of craft at times.Butto ignore those voices would be an even more shocking turn of events, sopraise be to the editor for not sacrificing his vision to a senselessconformity.As Pete Seeger so aptly put it in his quote, trying to readall these poems at one time would be like trying 'to swallow Manhattanwhole'.I say to you- buy this book, read this book, but understand thatit's what you do after reading this book that will ultimately define whoyou could be.Poetry is alive and well, and lives in the blunt pages ofWill Work for Peace.

Good work!
This book has been a long time coming. Brett Axel has really contributed to the poetry world in a way that is noticed, rather than swept into acorner. Many of the poems are good, some are great. Not all the poets arefamous, but most of them contributed good work. I liked Amy Ouzoonian's andBrett's poems, as well as "Pinaud's Tonic" by Michael Pollick. Irecommend reading that one. The only criticism I would have of the bookis of the extreme scatalogical nature of some of the poems, which do notseem to fit with the theme of the anthology, and would, perhaps, be betterin collections by that particular poet, rather than in such an anthology.But, overall, it is a great work.

Thumbs Up
Just amazing start to finish!I like the disregard for fame used in putting the book together.That great poems got in even if they were writtenby nobodys.Look at Roger Bonair-Agard's poem on page 74.Shortly after Will Work For Peace came out he won Slam Nationals, becoming Slam Champion of 1999, which will be getting him lots of offers.But Zeropanik Press didn't need to be told he was good by an award.They could tell by his writing!Good forthem and good for all of us because Will Work For Peace is a literary milestone. It's a new standard for all future anthology editors to try to live up to. Thumbs up to Brett Axel and Thumbs up to Zeropanik Press for their guts and integrty.

Good reading
I liked this book.It has some of the best poetry I've ever seen in it.I especially liked the poems by Marge Piercy, Antler, Diane di Prima, and Susan Griffin, but all of it was good.I think there was only one or twothat I didn't like at all and they were short.I'd give it 5 stars but thetype was kind of small and I'd rather it be easier to read.My eyes aren'twhat they were when I was 30. ... Read more

Product Description
Allen Ginsberg, Anne Waldman, William Burroughs, and Diane Di Prima – is there an aspiring poet or prose writer today who would miss a chance to meet and learn with these literary mentors face-to-face, sharing the secrets of their craft? That irresistible opportunity is now available with First Thought, Best Thought, the first landmark release from Naropa University’s treasured audio archives.

Selected and edited by poet Randy Roark from thousands of hours of performances and teaching sessions, First Thought, Best Thought offers listeners four rare gems of inspiration and practical wisdom, including:· Allen Ginsberg on how we "discharge the spontaneous energy of genuine experience" onto the page· Anne Waldman on living your poetic practice by melting the boundaries between poetry on the page, performance, and every act of expression you choose to commit· William Burroughs on breakthrough methods for generating fresh writing – including "the cut-up method," chance operations, and dream work· Diane Di Prima on how to survive as an artist: preserving your sensibility; creating a supportive artistic community; approaches to getting published, self-publishing, and more

"First thought, best thought" was the phrase that Allen Ginsberg used to describe the kind of spontaneous, fearless writing taught here – a way of telling the truth that arises from naked and authentic experience. In these thought-provoking sessions, anyone with a passion for words is sure to discover a wealth of insights for expressing themselves with greater immediacy and creativity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An Amazing WEALTH of Writing Advice
I've been having an ongoing flirtation with the "Beat Generation" this year, having read Diane Di Prima, Anne Waldman, William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, among others.When I stumbled across this set of audio CD's, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.To hear these giants of their generation reading their own works was a dream come true.

The title "First Thought, Best Thought" was the phrase that poet Allen Ginsberg used to describe spontaneous and fearless writing--a way of "telling the truth" that arises from naked and authentic experience.

Here's the gist of the CD's:

*William S. Burroughs teaching his breakthrough methods for generating fresh writing--including "the cut-up method," chance operations, and dreamwork.


*Diane di Prima on how to survive as an artist: preserving your sensibility, creating a supportive artistic community, getting published, self-publishing, and much more.


*Allen Ginsberg exploring every stage of poetic activity--from inspiration, to composition, to revision, to performing your poetry in public.


*Anne Waldman on the elements of the poet's craft--from the raw material of the words themselves to the many aspects of the poem in performance.

I must say that my own writing practice (after listening to these CD's a few times) has been profoundly enriched for the better.I've decided to publish my own poetry and I'm experimenting with the cut-up method suggested by Burroughs.It's a blast and funny has hell at times.

If you need a giant dose of inspiration and/or encouragement for your writing, then by all means, BUY THIS COLLECTION!

Of course, the Universe being a giant cross-reference, these authors led me to other great books:"Women of the Beat Generation" by Brenda Knight was an eye-opening read about the women of that generation.

Here's a blurb from that book:"In many ways, women of the Beat were cut from the same cloth as the men: fearless, angry, high risk, too smart, restless, highly irregular. They took chances, make mistakes, made poetry, made love, made history. Women of the Beat weren't afraid to get dirty. They were compassionate, careless, charismatic, marching to a different drummer, out of step. Muses who birthed a poetry so raw and new and full of power that it changed the world. Writers whose words weave spells, whose stories bind, whose vision blinds. Artists for whom curing the disease of art kills."

I'd also recommend, "Fast Speaking Woman" by Anne Waldman and "Memoirs of a Beatnik" by Diane Di Prima.Ms. Waldman got her inspiration for the title poem from the Shaman, Maria Sabina.So, you MUST read about Maria Sabina in this amazing book, "Maria Sabina:Her Life and Chants" by Alvaro Estrada.Here's a taste of one of her chants:

Because I can swim in the immense
Because I can swim in all forms
Because I am the launch woman
Because I am the sacred opposum
Because I am the Lord opposum

I am the woman Book that is beneath the water, says
I am the woman of the populous town, says
I am the shepherdess who is beneath the water, says
I am the woman who shepherds the immense, says
I am a shepherdess and I come with my shepherd, says

Because everything has its origin
And I come going from place to place from the origin . . .

(Alvaro Estrada, "Maria Sabina: her Life and Chants")


... Read more

Product Description
Number 27 of 50 hardbound copies SIGNED and numbered by di Prima and artist Josie Grant. Printed on onion paper between illustrated boards. Small discoloring spot on front cover, otherwise perfect. A very clean and attractive edition. Published in the Kingdom of Nepal in a total edition of 550 copies, most in wraps, as part of the Dreamweapon series with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Includes another installment of di Prima's epic Loba series and Grant's erotic illustrations of Loba printed in red. Besides signatures and numbering on back cover, inscribed by di Prima inside front cover in 1986. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document, covering the life and work of Diane di Prima, is an entry from Contemporary Authors, a reference volume published by Thompson Gale. The length of the entry is 2725 words. The page length listed above is based on a typical 300-word page. Although the exact content of each entry from this volume can vary, typical entries include the following information:

• Place and date of birth and death (if deceased)
• Family members
• Education
• Professional associations and honors
• Employment
• Writings, including books and periodicals
• A description of the author's work
• References to further readings about the author