Kerouac, Jack

The Paris Review Vol. 3 No. 11 (Winter 1955)

Paris, France: Sadruddin Aga Khan, 1955. Albert Eisenlau, Oscar Kokoschka et.al. First Printing. Journal. Softcover. The first appearance of “The Mexican Girl” episode/story by Jack Kerouac (1922-1969), in an early number of the legendary literary journal edited by George Plimpton, Peter Matthiessen & Donald Hall. Two years later it would become part of the narrative of On the Road, the great work that would catapult Kerouac & the Beat Generation to fame. The story is the first item in the issue, preceded by a beautiful illustration, rather daring for its time, by Albert Eisenlau. In the Notes on Contributors at the end of the issue, Kerouac is described as “...french-canadian by birth and a resident of Mexico. Harcourt Brace published his first novel, The Town and the City, in 1950 and an article on jazz appeared in New World Writing 7. ‘The Mexican Girl’ is part of a novel on which he is presently at work.” In Jack Kerouac: A Bibliography, by Ann Charters (New York, NY: The Phoenix Bookshop, 1975), this is item C 13, pg. 81. This issue of The Paris Review also contains an interview with Nelson Algren and other literary & artistic contributions. A very early & important pre-fame Kerouac relic, a portent of the imminent phenomenon. In near-fine condition, completely intact with relatively minor wear, yellowing & spotting to covers & spine, a very small circular stain near bottom edge of front cover, closed tearing & minor deterioration at top & bottom of spine, soiling to edges with another small stain at right bottom-side corner, interior fine with no markings & almost no wear. Near Fine. [Item #1665]

Price: $500.00