SparkNotes
Spark Notes: Social Trends of the 1950s
Spark Notes gives a brief overview of the 1950s from consumerism and conformity to poverty to youthful rebellion. A good review of this important decade in American history.
University of Virginia
University of Virginia: The Beats
At this site from University of Virginia you can read about the formation of the "Beat Generation" as well the most influential written works of this period. This website provides brief write-ups on the poems and books of Beat authors,...
PBS
Pbs: American Novel: Literary Timeline: Literary Movements: Beat Generation
Information on the literary group known as the Beat generation, including prominent members and published works.
Other
Unspeakable Visions: Beat Generation&bohemian Dialectic
Paper detailing the emergence of the Beat Generation and the Bohemian Dialectic.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Voices Against Conformity
The decade of the 1950s was kown for conformity. There was an undercurrent of rebellion, especially among younger Americans. Read about the Beat Generation, alternative literature, rebellion in art, and treatment of those who were not...
Other
Cosmic Baseball Association: Gary Snyder
Biography of Beat generation writer Gary Snyder includes a quote and photos.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Gary Snyder: Short Bio
Read a short biography on Snyder written by Ann Charters from "The Portable Beat Reader."
Other
Amba: Gary Snyder: Biography, Bibliography, Photo
Read a biography of Gary Snyder on this American Museum of Beat Art site. There is also a bibliography of his works.
Other
Gary Snyder: Lengthy Biography, Quotes, Bibliography
This site offers a very long biography, several quotes from Snyder, and many quotes from other writers regarding Gary Snyder. It also has a bibliography.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: The Source
The PBS show 'The Source' looks at the lives and works of Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs, three writers largely credited with leading the way in developing new forms of writing during the rise of the 'Beat'...
Academy of American Poets
Poets.org: A Brief Guide to the Beat Poets
Contains a brief explanation of the Beat poetry movement. Also includes a short excerpt from Allen Ginsberg's "Howl."
Other
'This Is the Beat Generation'
Contains the text of an article written on the Beat Generation in 1952.