On The Road goes on the road

The famed and beloved novel On The Road by Jack Kerouac is making its way across the country, much like the pot-smoking pioneer did in the mid to late 40's. Contested as one of the Great American Novels, On The Road popularized a new and poetic style of writing known as stream of consciousness where the author attempts to relay thier exact thoughts, no matter how sporatic and fragmented, to the reader. The book is autobiographical, and chronicles the cross-country adventures of Jack Paradise (Kerouac) and good friend Dean Moriarty (Neal Cassady). The two make their way from New York to San Francisco, and everywhere in between, two full times. It was as much a tale of coming of terms with oneself as it was a microphone for the angst of the rebellious youth of the time. As is quoted in the first of the below pictures, Jack's character says, "...the only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to love, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time...". The already fabled book grew to mythological proportions once it was discovered that the book was written over only 20 days in a frantic, caffine/alcohol/pot induced frenzy - hence the stream of consciousness style. Seeing it in person is just as seeing a revered work of art. To find out when this show is coming near you, check out the Jack Kerouac Official Website.


Kerouac himself.

Brilliant. Absolutely Brilliant.

It's little known that The Dharma Bums was also written on a scroll.

Quite an exhibit with over 30 feet rolled out on display. I'm going back at least once more.