Wilderness: The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison, Volume 1 (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Compiled from the literary estate of the singer who brought a wildly lyrical poetry of the damned to the world of rock 'n' roll. Includes unpublished poems, drawings, photos, and a candid self-interview.

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Compiled from the literary estate of the singer who brought a wildly lyrical poetry of the damned to the world of rock 'n' roll. Includes unpublished poems, drawings, photos, and a candid self-interview.

Product Details

• Paperback: 214 pages
• Publisher: Vintage; 1st Vintage Books ed edition (December 17, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679726225
• ISBN-13: 978-0679726227
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,405 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #33 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Single Authors > United States
  #34 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > United States > 20th Century
  #98 in	Books > Entertainment > Music > Musical Genres > Rock

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Poetry Book (Even if you aren't a Doors fan), April 21, 2001

By	Susan (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

"Wilderness" is a wonderful book of poetry no matter who wrote it. Jim Morrison was interesting to say the least, but his poems really stand on their own. The poems are beautiful, honest, and intriguing and cover a wide range of topics from women to music to America to growing-up. That being said, they offer a candid look at one of rock music's most infamous characters. Though often portrayed as a talentless drunk, the book is proof of the wonderful, sensitive artist that he really was. The style is slightly reminiscent of Beat poetry with beautiful phrases and words placed in specific ways that are visually effective. In addition to the poetry, the book also contains a two-page "self-interview" in which Jim explains kind of how he got into writing and why he loves poetry. "Listen," he says, "real poetry doesn't say anything, it just ticks off the possibilities. Opens all doors. You can walk through any one that suits you." Really, if you are even remotely interested in poetry or Jim Morrison get this book. I promise you won't regret it.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jim Morrison: Overlooked poet, December 29, 1999

By	Sam (USA) - See all my reviews

Wilderness is a wonderful book for anyone who loves to write, or deeply enjoys reading poetry. It is quite sad that some people in our society automatically think that Morrison's poetry is trash just because of the fact that he was a rock star as well as a poet. Morrison wrote beautifully and the depth that he concentrated into each one of his works shines through. This is a great book for anyone who appreciates Morrison or good poetry, I highly recommend it.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful For Anyone, March 20, 2003

By	K. Johnson (US/Asia) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is a collection of Mojo's poems, and as all poems and writings, they provide insight into interests, perceptions, experiences and latent attitudes towards occurrences. There are occasional B & W stills of Jim, and copies of the original poems in his own handwriting. Those familiar with his life and career will be able to tie in some of them to what you already know of him, while others provide insight into his thoughts about certain things. Here are two of my favorites:

LAMERICA
In my humble opinion "Lamerica" reveals his thoughts on suburban sprawl, encroaching development, and the never-ending tendency for humans to destroy the places where they live. How true then (Viking and explorers who extracted resources). And today in modern times: the "blue maps," being the back-roads of America off of the main interstates (hidden connections).....ending with the last 4 lines that is "end-all," or result.

LAMERICA
Trade routes
guidelines
the Vikings & explorers
discoveres
the unconscious

a map of the states
the blue hiways
beauty of a map
hidden connections
fast trampled forest

madness in a whisper
neon crackle
the hiss of tires
a city growls

rich, vast & sullen
like a slow monster
come to fat
& die

Here's another. More subjective. The curious to learn and experience coupled with wanderlust might interpret this in a personalized way, like I did.

THE OPENING OF THE TRUNK
moment of inner freedom
when the mind is opened
& the infinite universe revealed
& the sould is left to wander
dazed and confus'd searching
here and there for teachers and friends

Jim Morrison