The Raconteur

Latest edition of literary magazine The Ranconteur (in its new bi-annual paperback format) has landed in the shops. Weighing in at a door-stopping 300+ pages it will keep book lovers and culture junkies enthralled for the entire duration of the Xmas period (and beyond). The theme of the new issue is ‘America’. Inside you’ll find original San Franciscan Beat poet Jack Foley discussing the first ever performance of Ginsberg’s Howl. Journalist and political historian Godfrey Hodgson on the beast that is the American political machine. And an interview with best-selling author Allegra Goodman. Contributions from Wales-based writers, as ever, are strong: Robert Lewis explains how Noir exploded the American Dream; and Dan Tyte takes a peek at the history of Gonzo journalism. There is much else besides, including articles on the Civil Rights era in Queens, NY, and Afro-Cuban/Latin Jazz. I do believe there is a magazine launch at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff, scheduled for December 7. The magazine costs £10 and would make an ideal stocking-filler for that special culture vulture in your life.