Michael Rumaker (March 5, 1932 - June 3, 2019) was an American author whose life intersected with writers and other artists identified with the Beat Generation; studied at Black Mountain College; and found inspiration in AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) demonstrations of the 1980s.
[3] His short stories in the book received a favourable review in The New York Times, where he was described as an "impressive young writer.
In addition, there are portraits of many students and faculty (including the poets Robert Creeley, Charles Olson and Jonathan Williams) from 1952 1956.
Following his graduation from Black Mountain College, Rumaker made his way to the post-"Howl", pre-Stonewall riots gay literary milieu of San Francisco, where he entered the circle of Robert Duncan.
Rumaker released previously unpublished letters between himself and Robert Duncan for a new edition, published by City Lights.