That's a great article. I've seen those same McKuen books in used-book stores, and never knew what the story was. But now I know.

I have mixed feelings. I loathe instapoetry as much as any modern poetry reader... However, I also hate that every modern poetry demands readers to read "good" poetry first to understand why instapoetry is bad (spoiler: instapoetry lacks depth).

must admit, i could never see the attraction. but better to read some poetry rather than none.

another american author that seems to have vanished - richard brautigan, of "trout fishing in america" fame.

Look at a best-seller list sometime from 1950 or 1920. Authors who were powers in their day are now forgotten.

My impression is that his books sold in places where other poetry wasn't, e.g. card stores. But it has been a while since I've seen his poetry anywhere.

This was a interesting story.