Evans, Mike; Burroughs, William S.; Cassady, Neal; Ginsberg, Allen; Huncke, Herbert; Kerouac, Jack; Kesey, Ken et al.

The Beats: From Kerouac to Kesey, an Illustrated Journey Through the Beat Generation

ISBN: 9780762430482
Philadelphia, PA: Running Press, 2007. First Edition. Hardcover. “Most of the profound cultural and social changes characterizing the latter half of the 20th century, often identified as having been triggered in the liberated atmosphere of the 60s, had their roots firmly in the post-war years of the late 40s and early 50s. This manifested itself in innumerable ways in an otherwise largely conservative society, particularly in the US; from the first stirrings of the Civil Rights struggle to the spawning of rock n’ roll, from Method acting to abstract expressionism. Significant in this was the literary movement that became known as the Beat Generation, whose influence went far beyond its impact in poetry and prose. / But what was Beat? Well, it had a lot to do with attitude. Indeed, Jack Kerouac (while at the same time invoking a religious connotation) talked of “Beatitude.” Earlier, John Clellon Holmes had been the first to refer to a “Beat Generation.” Kerouac put it in its historical/social context when he defined the term for an entry in the Random House Dictionary: “Members of the generation that came of age after World War II, who, supposedly as a result of disillusionment stemming from the Cold War, espouse mystical detachment and relaxation of social and sexual tensions.” Though a rather more broad-based interpretation than that which would link it directly with a particular group of writers and their immediate followers, he described the Beat phenomenon as a precise response to circumstances, which in many ways it was.”—Mike Evans, “Introduction,” pg. 6. Mike Evans is a musician and writer who, through his participation in the UK art/jazz band scene (most notably with the band The Liverpool Scene) & poetic scene of the 60s and 70s, came into contact and became fascinated with writers like Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997) and Ted Berrigan (1934-1983). Offered today is a product of Evans’ interest in the Beats, The Beats: From Kerouac to Kesey, an Illustrated Journey Through the Beat Generation (2007). Featuring more than 200 photographs, most of which are extremely rare and have been seldom published in print, this illustrated account of the Beat Generation, its progeny, the culture of the 60s, and its continued legacy. The Beats is an ambitious & richly detailed history of one of the most, if not the most, important literary movement of the 20th century. From a synopsis: “the book tells the story of the Beat Generation from its subterranean beginnings in New York and San Francisco to world-wide acclaim. Set against the backdrop of seedy student pads, smoky jazz cellars, and-most crucially-the open road, it's a story of a rebellion that challenged society's attitudes towards sex, drugs, and freedom of speech. Following the turbulent saga of Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, Neal Cassady, and the other Beats via reckless love affairs, obscenity trials, murder cases, and press vilification, to media celebrity and the “Beatnik” craze that followed, their story represents the evolution of the counterculture from hipsters to hippies. Featuring a wealth of first-hand quotes, archive documentation, and exclusive interview material with Beat wife, muse, and chronicler Carolyn Cassady, The Beats is a timely celebration of a seminal-and often neglected-era in modern popular culture.” Hardcover in illustrated boards (without dust jacket which most of the first printing was likely published without, however, we have observed some with a dust jacket). First edition, as stated at copyright page, first printing as indicated by number sequence thereon. In very fine condition with minor wear to fine edges, and moderate smudging/scratching to front and back covers. Very Fine. [Item #9021]

Price: $30.00 save 10% $27.00