This updated biography features a new preface by the author as well as an expanded notes section

Locked in the Arms of a Crazy Life is the classic biography of Charles Bukowski, the hard-drinking barfly whose semi-autobiographical books about low-life America made him a cult figure across the globe. Extensive original research and unique contributions from friends, family and associates - including Mickey Rourke, Robert Crumb, Sean Penn, Norman Mailer and Allen Ginsberg - as well as personal photographs and drawings by Buk himself make this a must for Bukowski devotees and new readers alike.

"Wonderful - this is the first serious and thorough Bukowski biography. An excellent book about a remarkable man." - * Time Out *

"With no shortage of anecdotes, pictures or big names, this biography is so thorough and sharp that it may well be the last." - * Arena *

"This biography is an affectionate and thorough introduction that will not be rivaled for some time. Its effect is to revitalize rather than reduce Bukowski's work." - * Independent *

"A solid, informative and fascinating account - an excellent biography." - * Uncut *

"The dirty story of a dirty man, Howard Sounes's biography of Charles Bukowski confronts an ugly life with an unflinching stare . . . this according to some of Sounes's meticulously compiled sources, was the kind of man who would drive a friend to drink himself to death then try to have sex with his grieving widow." - * Guardian *

"This is an appropriately gutsy biography of Charles Bukowski, the American poet and novelist who almost singlehandedly inspired a generation of would-be writers to believe that you could spend your entire life getting drunk and still achieve a reputation as a cult author." - * Observer *