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NY, Scribner, 1952. His first book, widely considered the first novel of the "Beat generation," predating Jack Kerouac's On the Road by 5 years. Holmes's book deals with a "group of young people whose lives are frenetic and...are driven by a craving for excess. Their long nights involve liquor and marijuana, with the beat of bebop in the background." Inscribed by the author in July, 1975: "For Paul - at the beginning of what I feel will be a friendship -- all the best - John." Also signed in full as "John Clellon Holmes" at the bottom of the page. A very near fine copy with very slight fraying to the spine extremities, in a very good dust jacket with a couple small edge chips, a bit of tanning to the spine, and fragile folds. A seminal novel of postwar American youth, which helped set the parameters of rebellion and cultural revolt over the next twenty years. [#033177] SOLD

All books are first printings of first editions or first American editions unless otherwise noted.

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