Jack Kerouac was born on March 12, 1922, in Lowell, Massachusetts. He was a central figure in the Beat Generation, a literary movement of the 1950s and 1960s. His most famous work, "On the Road", was published in 1957 and is considered a defining work of that era. The novel was based on Kerouac's travels across the United States with friends such as Neal Cassady and Allen Ginsberg.
Kerouac wrote the first draft of "On the Road" in April 1951 on a single scroll of teletype paper, which was 120 feet long. This unconventional method allowed him to maintain the spontaneity and flow of his stream-of-consciousness style. The scroll now resides at the Lilly Library at Indiana University.
Although "On the Road" is his most famous work, Kerouac authored several other novels, including "The Dharma Bums", "Big Sur", and "Desolation Angels". His writing often explored themes of spirituality, existentialism, and rebellion against conventional societal norms.
Kerouac's heritage was French-Canadian, and he grew up speaking French. His birth name was Jean-Louis Lebris de Kerouac. He translated some of his own works into French and wrote poems and prose in his native language. The influence of his Franco-American culture is evident in works like "Satori in Paris".
A lesser-known fact about Kerouac is his interest in Buddhism. His novel "The Dharma Bums" reflects his fascination with Eastern philosophy and his friendship with Gary Snyder, a poet and Zen practitioner. Kerouac's spiritual journey is also evident in his lesser-known work, "Some of the Dharma", a collection of notes and musings on Buddhist teachings.
Kerouac was a talented athlete and received a football scholarship to Columbia University in New York City. However, an injury and disagreements with the coach led him to leave the university. His time in New York was pivotal, as it was there that he met key figures of the Beat Generation, including William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg.
Throughout his life, Kerouac struggled with alcoholism, which ultimately contributed to his death. He passed away on October 21, 1969, at the age of 47, due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver. Despite his relatively short life, Kerouac's impact on American literature and popular culture remains significant. His works continue to inspire readers and writers and are celebrated for their raw, unfiltered portrayal of the quest for meaning and freedom.