Allen Ginsberg was not just a poet; he was one of the most recognizable and outspoken public figures of the late twentieth century. From the mid-fifties onward, he was rarely out of the public consciousness as he raised civic and spiritual awareness for all causes large and small. He traveled the world, reading poetry in more than sixty countries, and managed to organize university degrees and mentor young poets. Arranging Allen’s life took a team of dedicated and talented people, and of these people poet Bob Rosenthal worked as Allen's personal secretary for over two decades. In this intimate new book, he tells what it was like to be behind the scenes of the Allen Ginsberg industry. From first encounter to Ginsberg’s death, Rosenthal recounts the highs and lows of employment in the poet's circle, in a book that is in turns poignant and hilarious, and always fascinating. Written straight from the heart, Bob's book will survive as an invaluable companion to Allen Ginsberg's poetry. What a great poet! What a great American life! - Ann Charters "There is no other book like this one, though there are dozens of books about Ginsberg. Bob Rosenthal has made a courageous and valuable contribution to the field of Beat studies." - New York Journal of Books "If I were to select a book published this year – based around the Beats – this would very likely be my choice." - Beat Scene