Critical Reaction to Howl
IV
The publication of Howl in 1956 drew a mixed
reaction. Richard Eberhart wrote in a New York
Times review that it “created a furore of praise or
abuse whenever read or heard” (Sterritt, 2013) on
the other end of the scale John Hollander of the
Partisan review called it a “dreadful little volume”
(Gair, 2008). Today it is acknowledged that Howl
has combined rhythms and language to become an
enduring and influential piece of American
literature with Ginsberg himself being
remembered as one of the best poets of the
twentieth century. The 6 th reading, the ensuing
obscenity trial and publication of howl laid the
foundations for what was to follow.
Ginsberg visited Europe, India and Japan. He
influenced many actors, writers and poets there
(Reisman, 2012). When asked by Jan Wanner if
Ginsberg had influenced any of his songs, Dylan
replied "I think he did at a certain period. That
period of... 'Desolation Row', that kind of New
York type period, when all the songs were just
city songs”. The actual title of “Desolation Row”
6