Allen Ginsberg
n.p., October 17, 1985
Allen Ginsberg Signed "Punk Rock Your My Big Crybaby" Punk Screed Souvenir Typescript
TQS

A 1p souvenir typescript of an original poem by Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997), signed, inscribed and dated by him as "Allen Ginsberg / 10-17-85" at lower right, and as "for Deba" at lower left. October 17, 1985. N.p. Ginsberg's "Punk Rock Your [sic] My Big Crybaby" was originally published by The Alternative Press of Grindstone City, Michigan in 1977. Printed in dark blue ink on doubleweight dark violet paper, with a whimsical safety pin-themed lettering at top. Isolated minor fading to three of the four corners. Traces of adhesive residue verso mentioned just for accuracy. Else near fine. 7.875" x 11".

Ginsberg's uninhibited free verse poem "Punk Rock Your [sic] My Big Crybaby" is a tribute to punk rock, the new musical and socio-cultural phenomenon of the late 1970s and early 1980s. The poem is written by Ginsberg from his perspective as a much older man who nevertheless still wants to be in the center of action. Enthusiastic but frustrated, he writes: "I'll buy a ticket to your nightclub, I wanna get busted / 50 years old I wanna Go! with whips & chains & leather..."

Ginsberg was first exposed to the American punk rock music scene in the late 1970s. Ever transgressive and even more curious, the former Beatnik began exploring the punk scene by frequenting CBGB, a club established by Hilly Kristal in the Bowery section of Manhattan, and by absorbing the ambiance at Mabuhay Gardens, a popular punk venue in San Francisco. In fact, Ginsberg refers to both clubs in this poem: "...from Mabuhay Gardens to CBGB's coast to coast / Skull to toe Gimme yr electric guitar naked..."

While historians have remarked on the differences between the Beatnik Movement and the Punk Movement - notably in the tone, approach, and goals of each - both were subversive countercultural movements, simply separated by a single generation. 1970s and early 1980s Punks viewed themselves as the successors of the 1950s Beats, with punk rock representing "today's poetry." Ginsberg fully embraced punk and performed poems like this one.

The Alternative Press of Grindstone, Michigan was founded by husband and wife Ken and Ann Mikolowski in the late 1960s. Using the letterpress formerly belonging to the Detroit Arts Workshop, the couple produced poetry broadsides, bookmarks, bumper stickers, and printed artwork which they distributed for free on the street. The Alternative Press fostered the growth of a vibrant arts scene in northeastern Michigan.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 7.875" x 11"
  • Medium: TQS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

by University Archives
July 28, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
88 Danbury Road
Suite 2A
Wilton, CT, US 06897

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000