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Laurence Ferlinghetti - Biography

Ferlinghetti: Light Bearer Words & Publishing City Lights

Laurens is a name associated with American countercultural literature and the Beat movement. He was not only an outstanding poet, but also a publisher, activist and artist. His life and work have left an indelible mark on the history of United States literature and culture. In this biography, we dive into Laurens' world and examine his important contributions.

Laurens was born on March 24, 1919 in Union City, New Jersey. His childhood was unusual, and he spent it in different cities and countries, such as France, which greatly influenced his worldview and creative interests. In the 1920s, his family returned to the United States, and Laurens began to attend school.

Laurens began his literary career in his early youth. He studied at the University of Colombia and at the Sorbonne in Paris, where he became acquainted with European literary tradition and expressionism. Returning to the United States, he became active in the Bitnic movement and was friends with literary legends such as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.

In 1953, Lawrence Ferlinghetti founded the cult publishing house City Lights in San Francisco. This publishing house became famous for publishing important and innovative literary works, including Allen Ginsberg's famous poem "War" (Howl), which caused scandal and litigation in connection with allegations of pornography and insulting public morality.

Laurens was himself a talented poet. His poems were distinguished by an experimental style and a mixture of genres. He often touched on social and political topics, and his works became a symbol of the spirit of protest and non-conformism of beatniks.