Beginning in 1967, Bukowski wrote the column 'Notes of A Dirty Old Man' for the
underground newspaper Open City . Perennially drunk, broke and in search of a
woman, Bukowski takes on the guise of a wise fool as he ventures through
America's seedy lowlife. Peopled by Kerouac, Burroughs and other much less
salubrious characters, his exploits provoke humour and despair, whilst
highlighting the inherent beauty and futility of life.