This is the authoritative biography of legendary writer, poet, and Beat Generation icon Jack Kerouac (1922-1969), whose novel On the Road catapulted him to the forefront of the literary world and influenced budding writers for generation to come. Here, Paul Maher offers not a linear study of Kerouac's life, but an integrated pastiche of his life and work. He investigates the key relationships that affected his development as an artist, including his three wives, numerous girlfriends, and beloved mother. He also provided insight into Kerouac's spontaneous prose, with its echoes of jazz, in The Subterraneans, The Dharma Bums, Big Sur, Desolation Angels as well as some of his lesser known works.

"Tune in, all you desolation angels and dharma bums, and turn on to Paul Maher's jazzy bio of Kerouac" - Vanity Fair

"A useful piece in a difficult puzzle.... sheds new light on a writer of considerable interest." - Library Journal

"Fit testimony to a tumultuous life." - The Greenville News

"Maher brings Kerouac to life as a fascinating but fallible man and artist who reflected and shaped his times. Like the many road trips Kerouac traveled, it's a worthy trip." - The Daily News

"Maher takes a riveting look at the forces that shaped Kerouac's developement into the original hipster artist." - Smoke

"Maher succeeds on many levels and nails the advertised 'definitive biography.'" - Charleston Post and Courier

"Thoroughly researched and worthy biography... Kerouac is an engaging mix of anecdote and archive." - Times Literary Supplement