On the Road

I found a typo on p194, but I didn't take
a picture of it. If you find this edition,
you'll know where to look.

In an effort to educate myself in both American history and literary movements, I've been reading On the Road by Jack Kerouac. I'm not all the way through it, but I've got some great words for you.

Kerouac was part of the post-war beat culture. From what I can tell this was a society of restless men who sought enlightenment not through established institutions but through drugs, women and jazz. They couldn't stay put or keep a job because life was for living, not for conforming. They wanted to experience everything, and did.

The beat poets emphasized the rhythm of language, treating their craft like jazz. I'm not sure I understood the way this translated into prose. I think I was expecting a more purple style. But now I know what the beats were about.

There are more than a handful of other great words from this book, I just can't put them all in one post. Check them out for yourself.

stultify - to make yourself or someone else appear foolish. This can be used as a legal term.

lugubrious - mournful, dismal. Kerouac uses this word like salt.

huaraches - a sandal made of woven leather. (The picture explains it better.)

from wikipedia

tenorman - one who plays the tenor saxophone. You'll meet several in the book.