Charles Bukowski a Sure Bet

by Gerald Locklin

A collection of essays, memoirs, and reviews about the life and work of writer and friend, Charles Bukowski. Cover art by R. Crumb. In this collection, Gerald Locklin shares some key Bukowski moments - meeting Bukowski, attending the premier of the film Barfly with Bukowski, a first-hand account of Bukowski's funeral, and more.

Genres: Poetry

72 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1995

Reviews

[Manik Sukoco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charles Bukowski, Gerald Locklin, two almost household names in the poetry small press. Who came first? Why does it matter? Each was, or is, unique in his approach to the written word. Bukowski liked to drink, to play the horses, to write, but that was not the totality of the poet or the man. Readers seems to expect miracles from authors/poets/artists. The truth is through, and under, all that talent lies the human persona which colors their work. One can be a slacker who boozes, but has a way with words, the other can be a University professor for over 20 years, is dedicated to teaching youthful minds while still trying to pursue his own writing talents and muse. Poets and writers are not always bosom friends, not always drinking buddies, but on occasion, they meet, light a few fires, share a few incidences, then go along their own pathways. Bukowski and Locklin were like that... their paths crossed. Gerald Locklin tells his tale through poems and short essays. This is a gem. This is history in the small poetry press. This book is life and those who buy, then read Charles Bukowski: A Sure Bet by Gerald Locklin with an open, receptive mind will mine word-gems. Very good read!

[Matthew Stolte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Less meat than Steve Richmond's "Spinning" is made up for with original poems & reviews.

[Alex Budris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting Bukowski ephemera.