Desolate Angel. Jack Kerouac, the Beat Generation, and America
New York: Random House, 1979. 1st Edition. Octavo, publisher's black cloth over black paper-covered boards, spine and upper board stamped in copper, original photo-illustrated dust jacket, advance review slip and press release laid in.
First edition of historian and music journalist Dennis McNally’s biography of "King of the Beats" Jack Kerouac. McNally's PhD dissertation at the University of Massachusetts, the text richly details Kerouac's upbringing and experiences in New York with Ginsberg, Burroughs, Gregory Corso, Neal Cassady, and other members of the Beat generation. After publishing Desolate Angel, McNally spent the 1980s and ’90s traveling with the Grateful Dead as their biographer, handpicked by Jerry Garcia, a lifelong fan of Kerouac. Stated first edition on the copyright page, with 2 the lowest number in number row, indicating first printing per the publisher's custom from 1976 onwards. Publisher’s review slip and stapled press release laid in. Light sunning to board edges; unclipped dust jacket with minor edgewear. Near fine. Item #6858
$45.00