The Dharma Bums

Penguin Classics/ Deluxe Edition. 8vo. Pp. [xxxiv], 187, [3]. Illustrated wraps with French-fold flaps; untrimmed fore-edges. Cover art by Jason. Introduction by Ann Douglas. First published in the U.S. by The Viking Press, 1958.

Author's fourth book. Arguably Kerouac's best work and written during the height of his interest in Buddhism, The Dharma Bums is the story of two sensation-seeking hipsters and their jet propelled search for Experience in the West Coast of America. The novel also gives an account of the legendary 1955 Six Gallery reading, thought to be the first public presentation of Allen Ginsberg's poem "Howl" (changed to "Wail" in the book). Thinly veiled portraits of Kerouac's acquaintances, including Ginsberg, Gary Snyder, and Kenneth Rexroth abound.