Wilderness: The Lost Writings of Jim Morrison

by Jim Morrison

Book Overview

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 Includes unpublished poems, drawings, photos, and a candid self-interview.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679726225
• ISBN13: 9780679726227
• Release Date: December 1989
• Publisher: Vintage
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

I simp for only one man, and that is Jim Morrison.

Definitely not groundbreaking stuff, but an interesting viewpoint into the inner workings of the clearly troubled poet. I'm looking forward to reading his second poetry book. 4.5/5 stars

Haunting

The words and images in this book have a way with your mind. They stick in your subconscious as if they are the stories your ancestors told around the campfire. Jim Morrison's poetry is a mix of Greek mythology, and Shamanic mysticism. Throw in some books from long ago that are deep in the blood of mankind, and you end up with Morrison. His poetry does not talk about himself. Instead he writes about archetypical themes in a modern setting. His setting was the 60's, which provided a lot of material: Vietnam, new drugs, the Women's Rights Movement, and the Civil Rights Movement. All of these things were ripping at the fabric of America (and humanity). Morrison's poetry attacks these chaotic times head on. However, he writes as if he were a 19th century poet in the mold of Lord Byron, or Arthur Rimbaud. He achieved his goal, and a place in history.

Insightful For Anyone

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: LAMERICAIn 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.LAMERICATrade routesguidelinesthe Vikings & explorersdiscoveresthe unconsciousa map of the statesthe blue hiwaysbeauty of a map hidden connectionsfast trampled forestmadness in a whisperneon cracklethe hiss of tiresa city growlsrich, vast & sullenlike a slow monstercome to fat & dieHere'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 TRUNKmoment of inner freedomwhen the mind is opened & the infinite universe revealed & the sould is left to wanderdazed and confus'd searchinghere and there for teachers and friendsJim Morrison

Beautiful Poetry Book (Even if you aren't a Doors fan)

"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.

Wilderness~writings of a rock star/poet

I have had the book Wilderness for many y ears now and I simply love it. Not only was Jim a rock star, but he was a magnificent poet. I have read some reviews where they said you had to be a drugged out loser in order to understand his poetry, which is so very NOT true. There are many different types of people who love Morrison's poetry, and you don't have to high to read it and understand where this man was coming from. It came from deep personal feelings. I find that amazing, when a person can share the happenenings surrounding his life with the rest of the world. Not too many people have this gift, and I admire Jim Morrison very much for sharing his life, music and beautiful words with us. I will cherish his writings for eternity.

Jim Morrison: Overlooked poet

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.