Tosh: Growing Up in Wallace Berman's World

Tosh Berman's memoir, TOSH, explores his unconventional childhood and journey to adulthood as the son of Beat artist Wallace Berman. The book provides an intimate glimpse of his father and the exciting art scene in Los Angeles during the 1960s.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2019
Publisher: City Lights Books

Tosh Berman's memoir, titled TOSH, delves into his unique experience of growing up as the son of renowned Beat artist Wallace Berman during the transformative era of the Beat Generation and the flourishing hippie counterculture. Wallace Berman, known as the father of assemblage art, played a pivotal role in postwar American culture. Alongside his wife, the esteemed beauty and artist's muse Shirley Berman, they raised Tosh between the vibrant cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco. Their home was a sanctuary of art, music, and literature, where local and international luminaries frequently graced their presence. Tosh's unconventional childhood and unconventional journey to adulthood are filled with a cast of remarkable characters, including George Herms, Marcel Duchamp, Michael McClure, William S. Burroughs, Dennis Hopper, Dean Stockwell, the Rolling Stones, Neil Young, and Toni Basil. TOSH offers an unflinching exploration of the triumphs and tragedies that shaped his unconventional upbringing, set against the backdrop of iconic cultural events such as The T.A.M.I. Show, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Easy Rider, and more. With a preface by actress/writer Amber Tamblyn, daughter of Wallace's friend and actor Russ Tamblyn, TOSH serves as a self-portrait that seamlessly blends popular culture and the avant-garde. The extensive index of names included in the book represents a who's who of midcentury American and international culture.

Praise for TOSH has been abundant, with critics and readers alike lauding the memoir for its poignant portrayal of Wallace Berman and the vibrant art scene of Los Angeles in the 1960s. Tosh's writing style is warm and evocative, capturing the essence of his father's enigmatic personality and the dynamic energy of the era. The book also offers a glimpse into the complex relationship between father and son, exploring the challenges and rewards of growing up in the shadow of a creative genius. Overall, TOSH is a captivating and insightful memoir that provides a unique perspective on the Beat Generation and the cultural landscape of its time.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 168 x 164 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780872867604