Charles Bukowski by Howard Sounes

Locked in The Arms of a Crazy Life is the acclaimed biography of Charles Bukowski, the hard-drinking barfly whose semi-autobiographical books about low-life America made him a cult figure across the globe. Extensive research and unique contributions from friends, family and associates - including Mickey Rourke, Harry Dean Stanton, Robert Crumb, Sean Penn, Norman Mailer and Allen Ginsberg - as well as personal photographs and drawings make this a must for all Bukowski devotees and new readers alike. This updated edition features a new preface by the author, expanded notes and a unique star rating in the bibliography of Bukowski's own works.

The author known for his graphic and gritty autobiographic novels and whose life inspired the film "Barfly" is profiled in a biography that draws on new interviews with his family and friends, his private letters and unpublished writings, and commentary from Norman Mailer, Allen Ginsberg, Sean Penn, and others. 60+ photos.