About the Author
John Clellon Holmes
ISBN 9780141188393
Rs. 798
Penguin Modern Classics
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Who it's for: Readers interested in Beat Generation literature and counterculture
This novel vividly captures the early lives of the Beat Generation through the eyes of Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Neal Cassady’s circle. Written by John Clellon Holmes just before Kerouac began On the Road, it offers an intimate, fictionalised account of post–World War II New York, where writing thrives amidst wild parties, late-night discussions, and a world tinged with crime, drugs, and restless self-discovery. Why You Should Read? A defining portrait of the Beat Generation before its rise to fame. Offers literary and historical insight into postwar New York’s bohemian culture. Perfect for readers interested in counterculture, modern literature, and character-driven narratives. Praised for its lucid, authentic depiction of the Beats’ raw, unfiltered lives.
Highlights
- Written by John Clellon Holmes just before Kerouac began On the Road
- Fictionalised portraits of Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Neal Cassady
- Captures post-World War II New York's bohemian culture
- Depicts writing, wild parties, late-night discussions, and restless self-discovery
- A defining portrait of the Beat Generation before its rise to fame
Themes
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Sign inQuestions about this book
Is this a true story?
It is a fictionalised account based on real people and events from the early Beat Generation, offering an intimate portrayal of that circle.
Who are the main characters based on?
The characters are based on Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Neal Cassady, among others in their circle.
What time period does it cover?
It covers the post-World War II period in New York, depicting the early lives of the Beats before they became famous.
What is the book's significance?
It is considered a defining portrait of the Beat Generation, written before Kerouac's On the Road, and offers literary and historical insight into the era's bohemian culture.