A “Dirty Old Man” on Stage: Charles Bukowski and the Underground Press in the 1960s

Abstract

While the underground press was instrumental in turning Charles Bukowski into a popular figure in the alternative publishing scene in the late 1960s, its relevance in Bukowski's early career has been largely overlooked. For Bukowski, the underground newspapers were an ideal outlet for his prolific output, and, unlike the little magazines—where his work was nonetheless staunchly championed—they paid him for his literary efforts. This previously uncharted territory is here illustrated by means of a critical journey through the main periodical appearances of the period, stressing how crucial Open City—where his infamous, unvarnished “Notes of a Dirty Old Man” columns made their debut—Nola Express, Los Angeles Free Press and many other underground outfits were in helping Bukowski become an international icon.