Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997) was an American poet and one of the leading figures of the Beat Generation. He is best known for his poem “Howl”, which was published in 1956 and became one of the most widely read and discussed works of the 20th century. Ginsberg was a passionate advocate for free speech and civil rights, and his work often explored themes of sexuality, spirituality, and politics. He was also a prolific writer, publishing over thirty books of poetry and prose during his lifetime. Ginsberg was a major influence on the counterculture of the 1960s and his work continues to inspire writers and artists today.