{"product_id":"big-sur-jack-kerouac-1st-four-square-edition","title":"Big Sur, Jack Kerouac — 1st Four Square Edition","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublication:\u003c\/b\u003e London, The New English Library Ltd, 1965\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormatting:\u003c\/b\u003e 12mo, original pictorial paper wrappers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Report:\u003c\/b\u003e Very Good. The binding remains remarkably tight and square, notably lacking the heavy reading creases to the spine that frequently affect mid-century paperbacks of this era. The pictorial wrappers retain their brightness and bold typography, exhibiting only mild shelf-wear to the extremities and faint toning to the rear panel's white margins. The text block shows uniform, age-appropriate tanning typical of the paper stock used during this period. Internally, the pages are clean, crisp, and completely free from any foxing, tears, or ink markings, presenting a highly attractive, gently handled copy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCatalogue Note:\u003c\/b\u003e This is the First Four Square Edition of Jack Kerouac's \u003ci\u003eBig Sur\u003c\/i\u003e, issued as Four Square Book No. 1241. It follows the true first edition published in the United States by Farrar, Straus in 1962, and the first UK hardcover edition by André Deutsch in 1963.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe volume features striking, evocative photographic cover art representative of 1960s British mass-market paperback design, capturing the gritty essence of the Beat Generation's later years. Early UK paperback printings of Kerouac's works, particularly in such tight, well-preserved condition, are increasingly scarce on the open market, as they were heavily circulated and typically read to destruction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eBig Sur\u003c\/i\u003e, Jack Kerouac delivers a raw, uncompromising, and deeply autobiographical account of his physical and mental breakdown. Retreating from the overwhelming pressures of sudden fame brought by \u003ci\u003eOn the Road\u003c\/i\u003e, his alter ego, Jack Duluoz, seeks solace in a secluded cabin in Bixby Canyon, Big Sur. However, instead of finding peace in nature, he is confronted by his own inner demons, descending into a harrowing battle with alcoholism, paranoia, and existential despair. It is a powerful, poignant reflection on the toll of the Beat lifestyle and a stark contrast to the youthful exuberance of his earlier works.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54565450547539,"sku":"5007","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260809_183603.jpg?v=1786512614","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/big-sur-jack-kerouac-1st-four-square-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}