Originally self-published in 1964 and long out of print, Ghost Tantras is one of McClure’s signature works, a book mostly written in “beast language.” A mix of lyrical, guttural and laryngeal sound, lion roars, and a touch of detonated dada, this is one of his best-known but least available books, a deep well from which decades of poetry have drawn.
McClure’s inspiration has always been the animal consciousness that still lives in mankind, and he has had a consistent message: “When a man does not admit that he is an animal, he is less than an animal.” Ghost Tantras is his original and singular manifesto for a poetry that relies not on images and pictures, but on muscular, sensual, energetic sound.
Visit Michael McClure’s website.
Ghost Tantras Events:
Wednesday, January 15th, 2014, 7:30 pm
Berkeley, CA: Moe’s Books
Please join Moe’s for Michael McClure’s East Bay book party, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the publication of his Ghost Tantras!
McClure will read from the new edition, just published in the City Lights/Grey Fox Series.
Moe’s is located at 2476 Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley.
Wednesday, November 20th, 2013, 7:00 pm
San Francisco, CA: City Lights Bookstore
City Lights will host Michael McClure celebrating the publication of his Ghost Tantras with City Lights! It’s the latest book in the City Lights/Grey Fox Series, and comes out nearly 50 years since its original debut.
City Lights is located at 261 Columbus Avenue @ Broadway in San Francisco’s North Beach.
