Vagabond Press

Poet and short story writer, 1938- .

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Vagabond is (or was) the publisher of a directory of gay-oriented books, gifts, and male physique photographs. The firm also published Vagabond, a periodical listing books, magazines, record albums, clothing, and other items for gay men.

The Vagabond Press (1965-1980) was vehicle of communication for anti-establishment writers, critics, and artists, including John Bennett, Charles Bukowski, Curt Johnson, William Wantling, Linda King, Dave Steward, Hugh Fox, Lyn Lifshin, Tom Kryss, Rich Mangelsdorff, Douglas Blazek, Art Beck, and others.

Bennett was born in Brooklyn, New York, and left school at 16, later returning. He worked in a variety of jobs in many locations, entered the seminary, and served three years in the army. He spent some time at George Washington University and the University of Munich.

Bennett began writing at an early age, and published stories and poems in a variety of literary magazines.