KADDISH AND OTHER POEMS 1958-1960 by Allen Ginsberg (SIGNED)

City Lights Books, 1961, Presumed first edition, 100 pp., 4 3/4" X 6 1/4", Softcover

Very good - (SIGNED)

From the library of poet David Giannini. Bears his ownership signature on front wraps and initials on rear.

One of Ginsberg's most significant collections of poetry. 

The lead poem "Kaddish" also known as "Kaddish for Naomi Ginsberg (1894-1956)", was written in two parts by Beat writer Allen Ginsberg, and was first published in Kaddish and Other Poems 1958-1960. The book was part of the Pocket Poet Series published by City Lights Books. In the table of contents, the poem is titled "Kaddish: Proem, narrative, hymmnn, lament, litany, & fugue". Along with Ginsberg's "Howl", Kaddish is said to be one of his greatest masterpieces.

Ginsberg wrote the poem about his mother Naomi after her death in 1956, who struggled with mental problems throughout her life. Naomi suffered many psychotic episodes both before Allen was born and while he was growing up. She went in and out of mental hospitals and was treated with medication, insulin shock therapy, and electroshock therapy. She died in an asylum in 1956.