Which author was a publisher of "Howl" and founder of the City Lights Bookstore?

The correct answer is Lawrence Ferlinghetti, who played a pivotal role in the publication of Allen Ginsberg's groundbreaking poem "Howl." Ferlinghetti co-founded City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco, which became a significant hub for the Beat Generation, fostering a sense of community among poets and writers during the 1950s. City Lights was not just a bookstore but a cultural landmark where literary works that challenged societal norms were embraced and disseminated.

Ferlinghetti's commitment to publishing avant-garde and controversial literature, exemplified by "Howl," cemented his influence in the literary world. His publishing of this work in 1956 was a notable act, as "Howl" addressed themes of mental illness, sexuality, and the struggles of modern society, leading to a famous obscenity trial that highlighted the tensions between artistic expression and societal standards.

In contrast, Jack Kerouac, while an essential figure in the Beat Movement, did not play a direct role in the publication of "Howl" or the founding of City Lights. Allen Ginsberg, although the author of "Howl," was not the publisher, while Walt Whitman predates the Beat Generation and the establishment of City Lights entirely, focusing on