University of Virginia
University of Virginia: The Beats
At this site from University of Virginia you can read about the formation of the "Beat Generation" as well the most influential written works of this period. This website provides brief write-ups on the poems and books of Beat authors,...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Voices Against Conformity
The decade of the 1950s was kown for conformity. There was an undercurrent of rebellion, especially among younger Americans. Read about the Beat Generation, alternative literature, rebellion in art, and treatment of those who were not...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Beat Movement
This encyclopedia entry surveys the Beat movement in American literature and culture during the 1950s and early 1960s, which was personified by such writers as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs.
PBS
Pbs: The American Novel: Literary Timeline: Authors: Jack Kerouac
Biography of American author Jack Kerouac, including a brief personal history and mention of important writings.
Other
Orlando Sentinel: Jack Kerouac's Words Stand Up to Time
A reporter's view of how Kerouac lived his life as expressed in his autobiographical novel On the Road. (Published 1997)
C-SPAN
C Span: American Authors 2: Jack Kerouac
Contains a biography of Jack Kerouac (1922-1969 CE), list of works, and links to additional information on the writer.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: The Source
The PBS show 'The Source' looks at the lives and works of Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs, three writers largely credited with leading the way in developing new forms of writing during the rise of the 'Beat'...
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Big Sur
This semi-biographical novel written by Jack Kerouac set in the 1960s shows the life of Jack Duluoz who is an alter-ego for Jack Kerouac. Read about the characteres and themes in this novel.
PBS
Pbs: The American Novel: Literary Timeline: Novels: 1957: On the Road
Brief introduction to Jack Kerouac's On the Road. Offers background information on the real-life person who inspired this piece of fiction.
Curated OER
Jack Kerouac Listening to Himself on the Radio
The legend and the reality of the way Jack Kerouac wrote "On the Road," and eventually "Went to bed obscure and woke up famous." Pictures, video, and audio add to this interesting page.
Curated OER
Jack Kerouac Reading
The legend and the reality of the way Jack Kerouac wrote "On the Road," and eventually "Went to bed obscure and woke up famous." Pictures, video, and audio add to this interesting page.
Curated OER
Neal Cassady and Jack Kerouac on the Cover of 'On the Road'
The legend and the reality of the way Jack Kerouac wrote "On the Road," and eventually "Went to bed obscure and woke up famous." Pictures, video, and audio add to this interesting page.
Curated OER
Gregory Corso, Larry Rivers and Jack Kerouac in New York City, 1959
The legend and the reality of the way Jack Kerouac wrote "On the Road," and eventually "Went to bed obscure and woke up famous." Pictures, video, and audio add to this interesting page.