Howl Against Censorship

Half a decade ago, Allen Ginsberg's poem Howl was considered obscene. Publishing it was a criminal act, and reading it was even worse.

Fifty years ago last week, an American judge ruled that it was a "work of literary and social merit."

Listen to the late poet read his famous poem, and listen to some of the best minds of his generation discussing it and the situation surrounding it.

For those of you who are not familiar with this poem, a recommendation: it is not work- or child-friendly, so listen accordingly. But do listen. Howl helped launch and define the Beat movement in poetry and is revolutionary in its own right.