David Meltzer

David Meltzer (1937–2016) was an American poet and musician associated with the Beat Generation and the San Francisco Renaissance. He gained recognition through his inclusion in the anthology "The New American Poetry 1945–1960." Born in Rochester, New York, Meltzer's early life included a move to Brooklyn and later Los Angeles before settling in San Francisco in 1957. There, he became part of a literary community. Meltzer also explored music, recording poetry with jazz ensembles and performing with his wife, Tina, in the group Serpent Power. His work spanned over 50 books of poetry and prose, and he was also a scholar of Kabbalah. He taught at the New College of California and was a signatory of the "Writers and Editors War Tax Protest" against the Vietnam War. Meltzer died in Oakland, California, in 2016.

David Meltzer was a prolific writer, authoring more than 50 books of poetry and prose. He is recognized as a significant poet of the Beat generation, with works like "Beat Thing," an epic poem about the movement, receiving acclaim for its inventiveness. His poetry often engaged with themes relevant to the Beat ethos and broader cultural observations. Beyond writing, Meltzer was a skilled jazz guitarist and collaborated with musicians throughout his career. He recorded his poetry with jazz combos and performed with his wife, Tina Meltzer, in the musical group Serpent Power, releasing albums that merged spoken word with musical accompaniment. His musical interests extended to Kabbalistic studies, where he delved into mystical traditions.

Meltzer's engagement with Kabbalah marked a significant aspect of his intellectual and creative life. He was a recognized scholar in this field, and his studies informed his broader literary output. His work "The Secret Garden: An Anthology in the Kabbalah" demonstrates his dedication to exploring and disseminating esoteric Jewish mysticism. This focus on Kabbalah suggests an interest in mystical traditions, symbolism, and the deeper currents of spiritual thought, which likely influenced his poetic explorations and philosophical outlook. His other edited anthologies, such as "Birth" and "Death," also hint at a broader interest in ancient texts, spiritual practices, and the human condition from a mystical perspective.

Lawrence Ferlinghetti recognized Meltzer as "one of the greats of post-World-War-Two San Francisco poets and musicians," underscoring his importance in the literary landscape. His early inclusion in "The New American Poetry 1945–1960" was a key moment in establishing his reputation. Meltzer's book "San Francisco Beat: Talking with the Poets" serves as a valuable resource for understanding the San Francisco poetry scene, offering insights from various figures. His teaching at the New College of California further contributed to fostering literary talent. Meltzer's multifaceted career as a poet, musician, and scholar of esoteric traditions leaves a rich legacy in American literature and counter-cultural history.

“one of the greats of post-World-War-Two San Francisco poets and musicians”

“Meltzer's most important lyri-political work to date...written by a poet who, in terms of the rhythms and verbal inventiveness and the naming of figures of popular culture, is without equal anywhere.”