Lot 366

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Description:

Kerouac Monumental TLS to Ed White Re: "On the Road", Cowley, & Brierly

A typed postcard addressed to lifelong friend Ed White and signed "Jack" at conclusion, in which Kerouac discusses On the Road, its publisher Malcolm Cowley, and the characterization of Justin W. Brierly within the novel. Written just two years after the book's publication, this air mail-postcard has been stamped from Northport, NY on December 30, 1959 and measures 5.5" x 3.25" overall. The "J" of "Jack" written in blue pen has been slightly cut off along the bottom edge, with minor printing flaws present from the typewriter as well as some smudging to recipient's name and address. Condition is near fine with incredible contents. Other letters about On the Road have fetched as much as $50,000 but rarely sell below $10,000!

In full, with original punctuation maintained:

"Sir,
Yes, I am mindful that Jinge was looking for me, but I am immersed in the fragrance of womanhood as tis… Glad to see the pictures of your bumpkins..
If Truman would have his way they'd get even more radiation, hey? ------ Have you seen the reference to Justin W. [Brierly] in the December issue of Playboy… this will make up for the deletions of his characterhood that were made by Malcolm Cowley in On the Road in the days before I started putting my foot down about editorial interference with my statements, sir……
I just drove back with friends from west coast but thru New Mexico where I penned the following poem: 'Wheat silos are huge trucks waiting for the road to approach them.'
What are we doing in the middle of eternity bored?                                                                                                     Jack"

First published in 1957, Kerouac's second novel On the Road proved to be a pivotal work not only for his career, but for the entire Beat Generation. Correspondence between Kerouac and his publisher, Malcom Cowley, survive which depict a tumultuous relationship of push and pull, mainly in regard to finally getting the book printed. While still a work of fiction, it is heavily influenced by Jack's personal experience and acquaintances, including the postcard's recipient, Ed White, who would appear in the book as "Tim Gray", and Justin W. Brierly as "Denver D. Doll". Other people represented in the story are poet Allen Ginsburg as "Carlo Marx" and fellow Beat figure Neal Cassady as "Dean Moriarty". The month this postcard was written, in the December 1959 anniversary issue of Playboy, Kerouac published a new short story entitled "Before the Road" which acts as a prequel to its famous counterpart. Without having to go through Cowley to publish this piece, Jack would have undoubtedly held a more creative license to add further depth to his characters (i.e., his real-life friends).

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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March 15, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000