Beat Scrapbook

Exploring five decades in the Beat world, Gerald Nicosia's poetry collection serves as both tribute and eulogy to influential figures in his life, including renowned writers like Jack Kerouac and lesser-known mentors. The 42 poems reflect on personal connections and the Beat ethos, featuring diverse subjects from a folk singer to a Vietnam veteran. Nicosia traces his Beat influence back to his father’s journey and his own awakening as a poet through classic literature. This work elevates his unique "people poems" into a broader portrayal of the American outsider experience.