Big Sur, Jack Kerouac — 1st Four Square Edition

£30.00

Big Sur, Jack Kerouac — 1st Four Square Edition

Name: Big Sur, Jack Kerouac — 1st Four Square Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5007
Price: 30.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, The New English Library Ltd, 1965

Formatting: 12mo, original pictorial paper wrappers.

Condition Report: 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.

Catalogue Note: This is the First Four Square Edition of Jack Kerouac's Big Sur, 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.

The 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.

In Big Sur, 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 On the Road, 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.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Jack Kerouac

Book Publisher: The New English Library Ltd

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Modern Fiction

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year: 1965

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Paperback

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: Four Square Books

Country/region of manufacture: Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.