City Lights – The Bookstore for the Non-Conformists

If you’re a traveler, you must have heard or read Jack Kerouac, right? If you’re into poetry, then, I’m sure, the name Allen Ginsberg sounds very familiar to you, eh? What do these two great American writers have in common? It’s the City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco.

City Lights Bookstore is a venue for the non-conformist. It’s a combination of a bookstore and publishing house that is made as a historical landmark in the City of San Francisco. When they published Allen Ginsberg’s Howl and Other Poems, American poetry became a popular form of literature. Lawrence Ferlinghetti was put on obscenity trial for publishing Ginsberg work. It was the time in America’s history when City Lights was the most daring publisher of independent literature. It was the start of the Beat generation where Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs led the non-conformist American youth.

Today, City Lights is still entertaining and welcoming readers around the world. Remember that when inside, you’re in the same place where Ginsberg and Kerouac used to hangout and share their utmost feelings in literary form. When you have time, attend one of their Events and Readings to listen and mingle with budding and famous writers. You’ll love to be there, believe me. 🙂

Related: Blog Posts on San Francisco

City Lights Bookstore is America’s first all-paperback bookstore.  

It has published banned and controversial books, including Allen Ginsberg’s Howl and Other Poems.

City Lights is Literary Meeting Place since 1953. 

They are also responsible in publishing Jack Kerouac’s, On The Road. 

City Lights Bookstore is located at 261 Columbus Avenue. It’s right in the intersection that divides North Beach and Chinatown.