Larry Beckett Livres

Wyatt Earp is more than a legend; he’s the embodiment of the American Wild West. It’s easy to reduce a man of such stature to mere stereotypes and iconoclasm, to leave out the women who inspired him, or to rely on the slander of those he defeated; but forgoing the myths, wordsmith Larry Beckett skirts the overwrought icon and gives us instead the aches, loves, and morals of the flesh-and-blood human. Wyatt Earp follows the famed lawman and his historic posse through the streets of Tombstone, in a natural five-act tragedy: the western zone, rise of the outlaws and hero, the showdown, fall of the outlaws and hero, the vendetta ride. In striking prose poetry that makes use of Earp’s own words, Beckett has mined newspapers, from Tombstone’s Epitaph to the San Francisco Examiner, Earp’s written testimonies, and biographer interviews to get to the humanity behind the folklore. Wyatt Earp was a man of his word, committed to the law, who faced his father, armed mobs, assassins, and, as his companion Doc Holliday says: he walked right in. But he also believed in peace and did all he could to avoid violence. Antithesis makes myths of American men, and as his friend Bat Masterson says: the story of Wyatt Earp is the story of the West.Find out more at tinyurl.com/wyattpoem.

Set in the contrasting sixth-century world of Merlin, the narrative blends savage battles with enchanting landscapes. The poet's role transcends mere singing, as he prophesies to kings, capturing the essence of his time. Larry Beckett's adaptations from Geoffrey of Monmouth's Vita Merlini feature lyrical and rhythmic language, employing refrains and musical Welsh names. This creates a vivid portrayal of a distant era, bringing to life the poet's enigmatic existence through laments, prophecies, and historical reflections.

Featuring a collection of lyrics crafted over fifty years, this work showcases Larry Beckett's ability to blend poetry with melody. Each piece is designed to be sung, highlighting the musicality of his words and the emotional depth they convey. The compilation reflects Beckett's mastery in lyricism, making it a unique fusion of poetry and song that resonates with both readers and musicians alike.