Book Review: Keeping the Beat Alive by Jonah Raskin

Growing up in the early 1960s in New York City with communist parents, Raskin first pursued a career in sports writing while establishing an academic background. He later pivoted to embrace the radical counterculture of the 1970s on the West Coast, ultimately transitioning to freelance writing.

Raskin's work includes the 1971 title *The Mythology of Imperialism*, which influenced Edward Said and was labeled ‘Maoist’ by the *New York Times*. His extensive career revolves around various genres, including biographies of figures like Jack London and Abbie Hoffman, as well as restaurant criticism and performance poetry.

Raskin has had the opportunity to interview notable personalities such as Gore Vidal, Doris Lessing, Paul Bowles, and Kurt Vonnegut, which enriches his prose with firsthand experiences from crucial moments in 20th-century culture.

The paperback of *Keeping the Beat Alive* reflects the aesthetics of DIY publishing, showcasing an unpolished layout that complements Raskin's high-energy prose. Despite typographical errors, the book's imperfections contribute to its authenticity as a Beat artefact, driven by passion.

The book’s subtitle, laden with ampersands, encapsulates the essence of the North American counterculture: *Essays & Reviews on Books, Artists & Writers Who Transcended Boundaries & Connected to the World*. Raskin's collection comprises a series of reviews and essays related to the Beat world, presented in an unordered style that enhances the reading experience.

In his introduction, Raskin expresses a desire to connect readers to the physical spaces of his narrative, such as San Francisco’s City Lights and the Counterculture Museum. Through his vibrant storytelling, the book evokes a sense of place that resonates with both seasoned Beat readers and newcomers alike.

Each essay, typically brief and focused on specific individuals or events, serves as an excellent stand-alone piece. Raskin's deep understanding of the Beat scene allows the essays to weave together, creating thematic connections throughout the work.

Among the standout pieces is a brief exploration linking William Blake to Allen Ginsberg and Patti Smith. Another notable essay, *Countercultural Refractions*, begins with Paul McCartney at the Fillmore in 1967, leading to a pilgrimage narrative that includes Eldridge Cleaver.

Raskin's writing frequently highlights often-overlooked women within the Beat movement, addressing their experiences in a landscape dominated by male perspectives. He writes headily about figures such as Natalie Jackson, Joanna McClure, and Joanne Kyger, using contemporary progressive language to critique the cultural landscape of America post-Trump.

Raskin argues that the cultural decline in the U.S. has accelerated under Trump, asserting that American artists from marginalized groups have made significant contributions to a global culture of resistance. He claims this cultural heritage is worthy of pride, despite flaws.

While some may disagree with Raskin's framing, suggesting that Trump’s rise has spurred a new wave of counterculture activism, the book nonetheless provides a rich examination of cultural resistance. Raskin’s commentary includes a few instances of criticism, notably towards the Black surrealist poet Ted Joans, where his conclusions could be seen as overly harsh.

In reviewing contemporary international poets, Raskin's language can occasionally feel hesitant, lacking the urgency that current events demand. Despite this, such moments are infrequent, overshadowed by the overall strength of his writing.

*Keeping the Beat Alive* captures the essence of the Beat legacy with eloquence and passion, serving as both a tribute and a means of preservation. Raskin’s exploration of the Beat ethos is both comprehensive and engaging, making it a rewarding read that resonates deeply with its thematic roots. CJ Thorpe-Tracey, a musician and writer based in Brighton, England, has previously contributed to *Rock and the Beat Generation*.