bukowski is far and away my favorite poet, and i hear the "asshole" thing from all of my friends. "he's a good writer, but he's so DARK." i think people see the cynicism and the booze and the occasional mistreatment of women without seeing his UNPARALLELED wit, sense of humor, eye for detail, and the occasional moment of emotional vulnerability.
i'll just quote john darnielle: "you know what other great artist was an asshole whose work often irritated and chafed before its treasures were willing to reveal themselves? ALL OF THEM."
Reviews
douglas martin said on January 28, 2008:
bukowski is far and away my favorite poet, and i hear the "asshole" thing from all of my friends. "he's a good writer, but he's so DARK." i think people see the cynicism and the booze and the occasional mistreatment of women without seeing his UNPARALLELED wit, sense of humor, eye for detail, and the occasional moment of emotional vulnerability.
i'll just quote john darnielle: "you know what other great artist was an asshole whose work often irritated and chafed before its treasures were willing to reveal themselves? ALL OF THEM."
apologies for my copious use of the shift key.