Books

A first edition, first printing published by Andre Deutsch in 1958. A near fine or better book. Some spotting to the page edges, principally to the head. Small inscription from 1958 in blue ink. One small name and date to the endpaper. In a near fine clipped wrapper with some light rubbing on the spine. A truly beautiful near fine copy. Jack Kerouac, inspired by his own experiences and the Beat Generation's quest for liberation and meaning in post-World War II America. Kerouac's spontaneous prose mirrors the urgency of a generation seeking adventure, spiritual exploration, and a break from societal norms, capturing the pulse of a transformative era.

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.