Books

New York: Viking, 1957. First edition. Near fine in near fine jacket with just a touch of restoration.. First printing, a review copy, of Kerouac's landmark novel, and a defining work of the Beat Generation — a beautiful copy. Kerouac's novel of Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty (literary stand-ins for the author and Neal Cassady) traveling across the United States was famously written in a drug-fueled mania on a long scroll of paper and became a surprise bestseller. It quickly went through multiple printings and made Kerouac not only a celebrity (famously appearing on the Steve Allen Show), but an unwilling spokesman for a movement. His style — both literary and personal — came to influence postwar youth culture, from rock-and-roll to Marlon Brando. The first review copy of this classic we've handled. Presents beautifully. 8" x 5.25" Original black cloth titled in white. In original unclipped ($3.95) color pictorial jacket designed by Bill English. 310 pages. Original typed…

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.