Classics

Charles Bukowski in His Own Words

Cassandra Neace

Staff Writer

Cassandra Neace is a high school English teacher in Houston. When she's not in the classroom, she reads books and writes about them. She prides herself on her ability to recommend a book for most any occasion. She can be found on Instagram @read_write_make

View All posts by Cassandra Neace

Charles Bukowski, poet, novelist, and writer of short fiction, would have been celebrating his 93rd birthday on August 16. He was quite the prolific writer, with more than 60 books published containing a multitude of poems, short stories, and six full-length novels.  There is more to be said, but it’s probably best that the man speak for himself.

In case this is your first experience with Bukowski, you should be aware that a lot of his words are colorful ones.

“Love” 

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK5WdqZ0od8[/youtube]

 

“Style” (September 14, 1972)

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Flg3SL0GYVU[/youtube]

 

“Consummation of Grief” 

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds1GvwRTPng[/youtube]

 

“You Know, and I Know, and Thee Know” 

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph88n-03620[/youtube]

 

This video commemorating a year of coast-to-coast motorcycle trips has Bukowski reading his poem as the soundtrack.

 

“The Light of Jesus” 

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-BPPHBeJCA[/youtube]

 

Bukowski….as a sock puppet.

 

The Last Straw – Charles Bukowski’s Last Poetry Reading (March 31, 1980)

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9ncIqSniVM[/youtube]

 

The Bukowski Tapes – 52 Short Interviews with the Author

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUFlhEp8mlQ[/youtube]

 

Born Into This – Charles Bukowski Documentary  (Full Length) 

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5Ri5a9Mgzw[/youtube]

 

A bit of background on the writer, containing both his words and the words of those who knew him best.

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