A prelude to fame, Just Kids recounts the friendship of two young artists--Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe - whose passion fueled their lifelong pursuit of art. In 1967, a chance meeting between two young people led to a romance and a lifelong friendship that would carry each to international success never dreamed of. The backdrop is Brooklyn, Chelsea Hotel, Max's Kansas City, Scribner's Bookstore, Coney Island, Warhol's Factory and the whole city resplendent. Among their friends, literary lights, musicians and artists such as Harry Smith, Bobby Neuwirth, Allen Ginsberg, Sandy Daley, Sam Shepherd, William Burroughs, etc. It was a heightened time politically and culturally; the art and music worlds exploding and colliding. In the midst of all this two kids made a pact to always care for one another. Scrappy, romantic, committed to making art, they prodded and provided each other with faith and confidence during the hungry years--the days of cous-cous and lettuce soup. Just Kids begins as a love story and ends as an elegy. Beautifully written, this is a profound portrait of two young artists, often hungry, sated only by art and experience. And an unforgettable portrait of New York, her rich and poor, hustlers and hellions, those who made it and those whose memory lingers near.
About the Author
Patti Smith is a writer, artist and performer. She has recorded ten albums and written five books, and her artwork has been exhibited worldwide. In 2005 she received the Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, the highest grade awarded by the French Republic to eminent artists and writers who have contributed significantly to furthering the arts throughout the world. She lives in New York City.
Prizes
An unusual and evocative first-hand account of the relationship between two iconic figures of sixties and seventies New York For fans of Chronicles by Bob Dylan, Minor Characters by Joyce Johnson, A Freewheelin' Time by Suze Rotolo and On the Road by Jack Kerouac This book will appeal to lovers of art, photography poetry and music, as well as a gay audience
Reviews
'A sharp, elegiac and finely crafted tribute to their childlike, pre-fame romance, set against the thrilling back drop of New York's countercultural blast' Sunday Times 'Terrifically evocative ... The most spellbinding and diverting portrait of funky-but-chic New York in the late '60s and '70s that any alumnus has committed to print' New York Times 'A tender, harrowing, often hilarious portrait of young lovers forging their paths in an eccentric milieu of Beat poets, Warhol socialites, and transvestites, rock stars and artists ... Much has been written about that time, but Just Kids offers new insight' Vogue 'A touching tribute to their love as well as an incisive account of being young, ambitious and artistic in Seventies New York ... this is a heartfelt, illuminating book' Daily Telegraph
Poetic Genius...... Patti Smith is honest and raw,her words create imagery in a way that you actually feel that you are right there with her. Just Kids is a colourful,energetic,and addictive. Patti Smith really shows she is a true artist,equally as captivating and unique, Just Kids is fun,direct,blatently real, it is one of those books that you will pick up and read, again and again and again, and a book that you will share with friends, BUT a word of warning, DO NOT LOAN THIS BOOK....... you will never get it back, because you are hooked from the very first sentence until the last.The photography is beautiful,and gives you an intimate look into the lives of two of the worlds greatest modern artists. Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe.
Inspiring book, really shows what can be done when people are prepared to live their dreams. This book centers on Ms Smiths arrival in New York and her friendship with Robert Mapplethorne a photographer/artist. They shared some amazing times, and what a time to be an artist in New York. The chapters regarding the Hotel Chelsea, are great, with a cast of amazing characters. Black and white photos/drawings through out. If you like reading about bohemian lifestyles you will enjoy this book
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