Bukowski, A Life

Praise for Bukowski, A Life“Cherkovski does justice to [Bukowski’s] commitment to rebellion … he brings an insider’s familiarity, having been Bukowski’s friend for many years. Some of the most insightful and moving parts of the narrative are Cherkovski’s personal recounting of his on-again off again relationship with the writer, which has the poignancy of personal memoir.”—David Daniel, The Arts Fuse“A serious appraisal … a treasure trove for Bukowski fans….Cherkovski’s access to his subject allows him an intimacy otherwise impossible as he guides us through the poet-author’s miserable childhood; his early drinking; his years as a serf in the post office; the poetry readings that became circuses…”—John Rechy, Los Angeles Times“One of those rare biographies that is both academically satisfying and full of life.”—Washington Post“Bukowski remains a symbol for artistic perseverance in the face of constant rejection, lifelong critical disdain and suggestions that he compromise his unique, if unsavory, vision….Cherkovski’s major achievement comes as he traces the roots of the heroic, unsung literary movement that wouldn’t let Bukowski’s work die on the vine.”—Chicago Tribune“This profile partially de-romanticizes the Bukowski myth, allowing the integrity of the poet’s works to prove him an admirable, if contradictory character.”—Publishers Weekly“Cherkovski’s compassion and respect for his subject are almost heartwarmingly ever-present. He gives fans and non-fans alike another, if not totally different, picture of the great Bukowski.”—Library Journal

Neeli Cherkoski is a poet, as well as an editor, memoirist, and biographer. In his early 20s, he and Charles Bukowski launched a short-lived mimeographed literary magazine, Laugh Literary and Man the Humping Guns. Mr. Cherkovski is the author of numerous books of poetry, most recently Elegy For My Beat Generation, and Ferlinghetti: A Biography—the first published biography of the internationally revered poet and founder of City Lights Books. In 2019, Mr. Cherkovski co-edited Collected Poems of Bob Kaufman and he is currently the subject of a forthcoming independent documentary feature It’s Nice To Be With You Always. Mr. Cherkovski lives in San Francisco.