Jim Morrison was one of the most erudite and widely read of all rock stars, whatever demons inhabited his anguished soul. The name of his group The Doors was inspired by the writings of William Blake and Aldous Huxley, and the lyrics he wrote and sang bear witness to his fertile gift for rich, mysterious imagery. Much of this was overlooked amid the colourful, controversial and decadent life that Morrison chose to lead. Over 50,000 copies have been sold of the original edition since it’s original publication. The two volumes of Morrison’s poetry included in this volume, the only examples of Morrison’s poetry published during his lifetime, were first issued in 1969 as private limited editions of only 100 copies each. Later American editions became essential reading, not just for fans of The Doors, but for all with an interest in contemporary American verse. Though subsequent volumes of Morrison’s poetry have been published posthumously, The Lords and The New Creatures are the only works Morrison authorised and are an important appendix to the breathtaking music he left behind.