Dear Jack: Heart Not Head

by Robert Lax, Paul Spaeth

Poet Robert Lax and Beat Generation Writer, Jack Kerouac, were friends throughout the fifties and corresponded by letter on occasion. Offered here is a scarce letter written by Lax to Kerouac from late 1954 or early 1955. Also included are two previously unpublished poems by Robert Lax that he sent to Kerouac. Introductory essay by Paul J. Spaeth, Librarian and Director of the Robert Lax Archives at St. Bonaventure University. This book is printed letterpress and bound by hand into quarter-bound gray cloth by Bill Roberts at Bottle of Smoke Press. This first edition, second letterpress printing is limited to 50 copies. New Condition.

16 pages, Hardcover

Published June 11, 2016

About the author

Robert Lax (30 November, 1915 in Olean, New York – 26 September, 2000 in Olean) was an American poet, known in particular for his association with Trappist monk and writer Thomas Merton. Another friend of his youth was the painter Ad Reinhardt. After a long period of drifting from job to job about the world, Lax settled on the island of Patmos during the latter part of his life. Considered by some to be a self-exiled hermit, he nonetheless welcomed visitors to his home, but did nothing to court publicity or expand his literary career or reputation.