Herbert Huncke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herbert Huncke
|
|
|---|---|
Huncke in 1985
|
|
| Born | Herbert Edwin Huncke January 9, 1915 Greenfield, Massachusetts, US |
| Died | August 8, 1996 (aged 81) New York City, US |
| Occupation | Writer |
| Literary movement | Beat Generation |
Herbert Edwin Huncke (born January 9, 1915 – died August 8, 1996) was an American writer and poet. He was part of many new cultural and social movements in the 20th century in America. He was a member of the famous Beat Generation group of writers. Some people say he even came up with the name 'Beat Generation'.
Contents
Early Life and Adventures
Herbert Huncke was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts. He grew up in Chicago. As a teenager, he left home and traveled across the United States. He rode trains and lived as a hobo, meeting many different people along the way.
Life in New York City
In 1939, Huncke hitchhiked to New York City. He arrived at 103rd Street and Broadway. He asked how to find 42nd Street, a famous area. The driver told him to walk straight down Broadway. Huncke, who always dressed well, bought a flower for his jacket. He then headed to 42nd Street. For the next 10 years, Huncke was a regular on 42nd Street. People even called him the "Mayor of 42nd Street."
During World War II, Huncke worked as a United States Merchant Marine. He sailed to ports in South America, Africa, and Europe. He even landed on the beach of Normandy just three days after the big invasion.
Becoming a Writer
Herbert Huncke was a natural storyteller. He had a unique way of looking at life. Later, when the Beat Generation writers became known, they encouraged Huncke to share his writings. He had kept many notes in his journals.
In 1965, he published some of these writings as Huncke's Journal. This was done with the help of Diane di Prima, another writer. Huncke was the one who first used the word "Beat" to describe someone. He meant someone who was living with little money and few chances for success.
He used the phrase in a talk with Jack Kerouac. Kerouac was curious about how their generation would be remembered. Huncke replied, "I'm beat," meaning he was very tired. Kerouac then used this term to describe a whole generation of writers and artists.
Huncke's autobiography, called Guilty of Everything, was published in 1987. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 81. He had been living in a small apartment in New York City. His friends helped him financially in his later years.
Huncke in Films
Herbert Huncke appeared in several documentaries about the Beat Generation. These films helped people learn more about this important cultural movement. Some of these documentaries include "The Beat Generation: An American Dream" by Janet Forman. He was also in "What Happened to Kerouac?" by Richard Lerner and Lewis MacAdams. Other films were "Kerouac, the Movie" by John Antonelli and "Burroughs: the Movie" by Howard Brookner. Huncke also had his only acting role in a film called "The Burning Ghat."
His Published Works
Herbert Huncke wrote several books and collections of his writings. These works give readers a look into his unique life and thoughts.
- Huncke's Journal (Poets Press, 1965).
- The Evening Sun Turned Crimson (Cherry Valley Editions, 1980).
- Guilty of Everything: The Autobiography of Herbert Huncke (Paragon House Publishers, 1990).
- Again–The Hospital (White Fields Press, 1995).
- Herbert E. Huncke 1915-1996 (Jerry Poynton, 1996).
- The Herbert Huncke Reader (Morrow, 1997). This book includes The Evening Sun Turned Crimson and Huncke's Journal.
- From Dream to Dream (Dig It! 567912-2, Music & Words, Netherlands, 1994, cd).
- Herbert Huncke - Guilty of Everything. This was a double-CD of Huncke reading his work live in Amsterdam in 1987.
See also
In Spanish: Herbert Huncke para niños
