Books

This is a rare find for any book collector or literature enthusiast. The True First Edition of "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac is a hardcover book published by Viking Press in 1957. The book is in its original English language and comes with a dust jacket, which is in like new condition though appears to have an inside repair or possible replacement Dust Jacket. The novel is part of the Beat and Modernism literary movements, with topics covering spirituality, travel, urban fiction, art & culture, politics & society, and philosophy. The book is a first edition and is a unit quantity of one. This is a must-have for any book lover, and a great addition to any collection. This is a magnificent specimen and truly a rare jewel for any discerning collector. You will want to commission the design and building of a special display case in which to show off the prize of anyone's library.

Jack Kerouac's 1957 novel "On the Road" is an emblematic portrait of the Beat Generation, capturing the yearning for freedom and authenticity against postwar American conformity. This semi-autobiographical work, based on the adventures of Kerouac and his friends across America, is often seen as a defining work of the countercultural movements of the 1950s and 60s. It chronicles the cross-country voyages of Sal Paradise, Kerouac’s alter ego, and Dean Moriarty, a free-spirited, charismatic rebel. "On the Road" is structured around several trips made by Sal and Dean, describing their escapades as they travel back and forth across the country. These journeys are less about the destinations and more about the experiences they gather, the people they meet, and the quest for meaning in a society perceived as rigid and materialistic. The narrative style of the book, known for its spontaneous, stream-of-consciousness prose, mirrors the tumultuous, impulsive lives of its characters. The novel not only explores physical journeys but also personal and spiritual ones. Dean's frenetic energy and Sal’s introspective nature contrast sharply, yet both characters are united in their disdain for conventional values. They indulge in jazz, poetry, and drug use—exploring alternative forms of consciousness and relationships.

A true first edition can be identified by a black cloth binding with white lettering on the spine, a mention of 'New York Herald Tribune' on the back cover but without 'New York Times' on the back cover, and a photo of Jack Kerouac watching a parade.