The first pop culture history of the beatnik! An extensive, full-color visual tour of the beat era, packed with record covers, books, comics, ceramics and more. Skirting around the more serious philosophical aspects of the Beat Generation, this book explores the peppier, above-ground, pop culture manifestations of the beat scene.

 It's a world of coffeehouses and bohemian pads, populated with goatee-sporting daddy-os and raven-haired leotard-wearing beatnik chicks.

 Includes many modern interpretations of the beat groove as well, with art from Mark Ryden, Shag, Coop, The Pizz, Sunny Buick, Tim Biskup, Todd Schorr, Gemma Jones, Frank Kozik, Seonna Hong, and other happenin' faves.