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Atop an Underwood: Early Stories and Other Writings
Before Jack Kerouac expressed the spirit of a generation in his 1957 classic, On the Road, he spent years figuring out how he wanted to live and, above all, learning how to write. Atop an Underwood brings together more than sixty previously unpublished works that Kerouac wrote before he was twenty-two, ranging from stories and poems to plays and parts of novels, including an excerpt from his 1943 merchant marine novel, The Sea Is My Brother. These writings reveal what Kerouac was thinking, doing, and dreaming during his formative years, and reflect his primary literary influences. Readers will also find in these works the source of Kerouac's spontaneous prose style.
Uncovering a fascinating missing link in Kerouac's development as a writer, Atop an Underwood is essential reading for Kerouac fans, scholars, and critics.
Uncovering a fascinating missing link in Kerouac's development as a writer, Atop an Underwood is essential reading for Kerouac fans, scholars, and critics.
249 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1999
41 people are currently reading
18336 people want to read
About the author
Jack Kerouac
359 books11.5k followersJean-Louis Lebris de Kérouac, known as Jack Kerouac, was an American novelist and poet who, alongside William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg, was a pioneer of the Beat Generation.
Of French-Canadian ancestry, Kerouac was raised in a French-speaking home in Lowell, Massachusetts. He "learned English at age six and spoke with a marked accent into his late teens." During World War II, he served in the United States Merchant Marine; he completed his first novel at the time, which was published more than 40 years after his death. His first published book was The Town and the City (1950), and he achieved widespread fame and notoriety with his second, On the Road, in 1957. It made him a beat icon, and he went on to publish 12 more novels and numerous poetry volumes.
Kerouac is recognized for his style of stream of consciousness spontaneous prose. Thematically, his work covers topics such as his Catholic spirituality, jazz, travel, promiscuity, life in New York City, Buddhism, drugs, and poverty. He became an underground celebrity and, with other Beats, a progenitor of the hippie movement, although he remained antagonistic toward some of its politically radical elements. He has a lasting legacy, greatly influencing many of the cultural icons of the 1960s, including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Jerry Garcia and The Doors.
In 1969, at the age of 47, Kerouac died from an abdominal hemorrhage caused by a lifetime of heavy drinking. Since then, his literary prestige has grown, and several previously unseen works have been published.
Of French-Canadian ancestry, Kerouac was raised in a French-speaking home in Lowell, Massachusetts. He "learned English at age six and spoke with a marked accent into his late teens." During World War II, he served in the United States Merchant Marine; he completed his first novel at the time, which was published more than 40 years after his death. His first published book was The Town and the City (1950), and he achieved widespread fame and notoriety with his second, On the Road, in 1957. It made him a beat icon, and he went on to publish 12 more novels and numerous poetry volumes.
Kerouac is recognized for his style of stream of consciousness spontaneous prose. Thematically, his work covers topics such as his Catholic spirituality, jazz, travel, promiscuity, life in New York City, Buddhism, drugs, and poverty. He became an underground celebrity and, with other Beats, a progenitor of the hippie movement, although he remained antagonistic toward some of its politically radical elements. He has a lasting legacy, greatly influencing many of the cultural icons of the 1960s, including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Jerry Garcia and The Doors.
In 1969, at the age of 47, Kerouac died from an abdominal hemorrhage caused by a lifetime of heavy drinking. Since then, his literary prestige has grown, and several previously unseen works have been published.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 1, 2007
READ THIS. it's fantastic. there are a few stories that i skipped over because they were not very interesting to me (such as a baseball story) but every short story is so beautifully written, and the ideas he presents will really make you think.
December 8, 2011
Whenver I read Kerouac, I'm re-inspired to carry around a notebook and write whatever I see. Even early Kerouac speaks to me.
March 26, 2012
Atop An Underwood By Jack Kerouac
Edited by Paul Marion "Early Stories and Other
Writings" 1936-1943
I haven't read any great Kerouac in a very long
time indeed, this is by far the best collection
of previously unissued writings by Jack that I
have come across.
Published by penguin I got my copy from City
Lights last year.
This is a carefully edited collection taken from
Paul Marions extensive searching through the
large archive of Jacks writings, he apparently
kept everything he ever wrote almost!!
So you get to see Jack starting to develop as a
writer and there are sketches that later became
scenes in his books and reports from his own
fictional sports league, as well as real reports
of games he played in or attended. Through to
his early travels both across America and to
europe when he was in the merchant marine and
the stuff in London is fantastic describing
going to the Albert hall and then to Piccadilly
drinking at the height of the blackout for the
blitz, seeing Taxis driving in the pitch dark!
Damn that must of been a hell of a trip.
This book is a must for any fans of Kerouacs and
is also a good look at how Kerouac made himself
into a writer. there is some great Poetry and
some good lessons for anyone who enjoys writing.
The only pity is that as it has been so edited
that you only get snippets of the longer pieces
like the Sea Is My Brother his first attempt at
a Novel that they include 19 pages from a
manuscript that was 158 pages long!! Damn that
is tight even by Readers Digest standards;)
Still that is a minor quibble on a book this
enjoyable to read.
Edited by Paul Marion "Early Stories and Other
Writings" 1936-1943
I haven't read any great Kerouac in a very long
time indeed, this is by far the best collection
of previously unissued writings by Jack that I
have come across.
Published by penguin I got my copy from City
Lights last year.
This is a carefully edited collection taken from
Paul Marions extensive searching through the
large archive of Jacks writings, he apparently
kept everything he ever wrote almost!!
So you get to see Jack starting to develop as a
writer and there are sketches that later became
scenes in his books and reports from his own
fictional sports league, as well as real reports
of games he played in or attended. Through to
his early travels both across America and to
europe when he was in the merchant marine and
the stuff in London is fantastic describing
going to the Albert hall and then to Piccadilly
drinking at the height of the blackout for the
blitz, seeing Taxis driving in the pitch dark!
Damn that must of been a hell of a trip.
This book is a must for any fans of Kerouacs and
is also a good look at how Kerouac made himself
into a writer. there is some great Poetry and
some good lessons for anyone who enjoys writing.
The only pity is that as it has been so edited
that you only get snippets of the longer pieces
like the Sea Is My Brother his first attempt at
a Novel that they include 19 pages from a
manuscript that was 158 pages long!! Damn that
is tight even by Readers Digest standards;)
Still that is a minor quibble on a book this
enjoyable to read.
February 1, 2012
This was a wonderful book that reveals the talent that was abundant from the get go for a young Jack Kerouac who understood his calling to be a writer as an adolescent and never waivered his entire life. These pre- On The Road writings are a treasure for any true kerouac fan.
December 6, 2011
This book was truly an excellent surprise! Reading this book shows you just how good Jack already was when he wrote these stories (I think he was around 20 when he wrote 'The Sea is My Brother'). My favourites in this collection were the selected excerpts from 'The Sea is My Brother' (which incidentally is not only believed to be Jack's first-ever novel but one which has just been published for the first time last month), a short story on baseball called 'Rookie Nerves' and a short piece he wrote the night before he and his family moved house (called something like ‘Farewell My Trees’). This latter short story literally moved me to tears as I recalled the near-forgotten sad feeling of leaving your childhood home forever. Only Kerouac is able to stir up and recreate those feelings and that is one of the many reasons why he is so dear in the hearts of his fans. This language is so vivid and visceral that you can feel the language almost crawl under your skin. Suddenly, you can see, breathe and hear all those 'word-sound brushstrokes' that Jack so magically paints.
Don't listen to the critics (like Capote) who called Jack's work 'typing'. Most of the journocritics (Capote excepted) are just wannabe failed writers themselves who couldn’t write an epic like ‘The Town & the City’ to save they life. Hence, what do they do? They become ‘journalists’ who can only write short columns and judge Jack's work and literary success with evident bitter jealousy. Although Jack had yet to develop his 'spontaneous bop prosody' for which he is so famously celebrated in novels like 'On the Road', 'The Subterraneans', 'Visions of Cody' and more, the quality of his writing in this collection offers much support for what his biographer Anne Charters said: "frankly he could write any style you like". Kerouac has often been criticized as being 'childish'. However, I feel that this is one aspect of his personality and set of values (out of many others) that has been devastatingly misunderstood. Remember Kerouac was a Catholic (or Catholic/Buddhist). I am not a full-blown Christian myself, so do not think that I am trying to evangelize in any way but let us recall the words of Matthew 18:3 from the Bible for the purposes of literary argument: "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" Given his strong innate spirituality and Catholic upbringing, it is quite easy to see how Jack might have perceived 'childishness' in a positive light, unlike most of us in the modern age who have become incredibly cynical and arrogant as ‘adults’.
Finally, I think that even in the 21st century, Jack's refreshingly honest and child-like (and remember I mean that in a positive way) reverence for and celebration of life serves as an important wake-up call to everyone one of us when we get too hung up on our jobs or other trivial stuff that there are plenty of moments and things out there amid the mad maelstrom that we know as ‘life’, staring us in the face every day, beckoning us to bear witness and take part. These fleeting stolent moments of our life are beautiful tableaus, which should be celebrated (through living) and which should be remembered to the full (through writing) and I think that’s what Jack was all about. Jack considered it his divine mission to record all what he witnessed for posterity. And what a legacy he has left behind for us readers too.
Don't listen to the critics (like Capote) who called Jack's work 'typing'. Most of the journocritics (Capote excepted) are just wannabe failed writers themselves who couldn’t write an epic like ‘The Town & the City’ to save they life. Hence, what do they do? They become ‘journalists’ who can only write short columns and judge Jack's work and literary success with evident bitter jealousy. Although Jack had yet to develop his 'spontaneous bop prosody' for which he is so famously celebrated in novels like 'On the Road', 'The Subterraneans', 'Visions of Cody' and more, the quality of his writing in this collection offers much support for what his biographer Anne Charters said: "frankly he could write any style you like". Kerouac has often been criticized as being 'childish'. However, I feel that this is one aspect of his personality and set of values (out of many others) that has been devastatingly misunderstood. Remember Kerouac was a Catholic (or Catholic/Buddhist). I am not a full-blown Christian myself, so do not think that I am trying to evangelize in any way but let us recall the words of Matthew 18:3 from the Bible for the purposes of literary argument: "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" Given his strong innate spirituality and Catholic upbringing, it is quite easy to see how Jack might have perceived 'childishness' in a positive light, unlike most of us in the modern age who have become incredibly cynical and arrogant as ‘adults’.
Finally, I think that even in the 21st century, Jack's refreshingly honest and child-like (and remember I mean that in a positive way) reverence for and celebration of life serves as an important wake-up call to everyone one of us when we get too hung up on our jobs or other trivial stuff that there are plenty of moments and things out there amid the mad maelstrom that we know as ‘life’, staring us in the face every day, beckoning us to bear witness and take part. These fleeting stolent moments of our life are beautiful tableaus, which should be celebrated (through living) and which should be remembered to the full (through writing) and I think that’s what Jack was all about. Jack considered it his divine mission to record all what he witnessed for posterity. And what a legacy he has left behind for us readers too.
January 21, 2018
This is a ragtag collection of Jack Kerouac's early writings that range from the profound and inspiring to the different (some more fiction-based than you might be used to reading from him or on subjects like food and baseball) to the ehhhh. Essential for any Kerouac fan to chart the beginnings and growth of his writing or aspiring writers to be inspired that so many of his ideas he spoke so passionately about from an early age eventually flowered--giving one hope that with enough zest one can also take their work to the places he did.
October 30, 2009
best insight into a legend before the world knew how great he was...
August 3, 2011
he knew what he was doing all along
May 6, 2017
It was really interesting to read things that the author had written in his younger years.
January 3, 2024
The Evolution of Gambling: From Ancient Times to Aviator-Game
The history of gambling is a fascinating journey that spans centuries, evolving alongside human civilization. From rudimentary games of chance in ancient civilizations to the sophisticated online platforms of today, gambling has undergone remarkable transformations. This journey not only reflects societal attitudes towards risk and reward but also mirrors technological advancements. In this exploration of the history of gambling, we will traverse the milestones that have shaped this industry, culminating in the contemporary landscape with a unique focus on the innovative aviator-game.com .
Early Beginnings:
Gambling's roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where rudimentary forms of dice games and betting on events were prevalent. The Greeks introduced the concept of casting lots, while the Romans had their own versions of dice games. The Middle Ages witnessed the emergence of card games, laying the groundwork for the modern deck of playing cards. Gambling permeated various cultures, transcending geographical boundaries and societal classes.
The Renaissance and Casinos:
The Renaissance era marked a resurgence of interest in the intellectual and artistic aspects of human civilization, and gambling became intertwined with leisure and entertainment. Casinos emerged in Italy, providing a social hub for the elite to indulge in games of chance. The 17th century saw the formalization of gambling establishments in France, setting the stage for the opulent casinos of the 19th century.
Industrial Revolution and Modern Casinos:
The Industrial Revolution brought about profound changes in society, and gambling was no exception. The 19th century witnessed the proliferation of casinos in Europe and the United States, with iconic establishments like Monte Carlo and Las Vegas becoming synonymous with glamour and fortune. The advent of slot machines and the widespread popularity of poker further diversified the gambling landscape.
Online Gambling Revolution:
The late 20th century saw a seismic shift with the advent of the internet, leading to the rise of online gambling. Virtual casinos and poker rooms allowed players to access their favorite games from the comfort of their homes. Technological advancements like secure payment methods and Random Number Generators (RNGs) enhanced the fairness and security of online gambling.
Aviator-Game and the Provably Fair Era:
The 21st century witnessed the emergence of Aviator, a pioneering online casino game that exemplifies simplicity, speed, and fairness. Developed by Spribe and launched in 2019, Aviator captivated players worldwide. What sets Aviator apart is its use of "Provably Fair" cryptographic technology, ensuring 100% fairness in game outcomes. Players, taking on the role of an air traffic controller, watch an airplane traverse the screen with rapidly changing numbers representing multipliers. The innovative "Cash Out" feature adds an element of strategy, as players aim to click before the plane exits, multiplying their bets.
Aviator-Game: A Gaming Revolution:
Aviator hosted on the independent gaming portal Aviator-Game, has become a cornerstone for enthusiasts. This platform, separate from traditional casinos or sports betting operators, provides invaluable insights into the Aviator game. It serves as a guide for choosing the best casinos, learning optimal strategies, and staying updated on bonuses across different platforms. The game's accessibility on both PCs and mobile devices has contributed to its widespread popularity, allowing players to engage with it anytime, anywhere.
The history of gambling reflects the evolution of human civilization, from ancient times to the digital age. Aviator-Game, with its innovative approach to online gaming, is a testament to the continuous evolution of the industry. As we navigate the complex tapestry of gambling's past, present, and future, it is evident that the thrill of taking risks and the allure of potential rewards will continue to captivate audiences, transcending time and technological boundaries.
The history of gambling is a fascinating journey that spans centuries, evolving alongside human civilization. From rudimentary games of chance in ancient civilizations to the sophisticated online platforms of today, gambling has undergone remarkable transformations. This journey not only reflects societal attitudes towards risk and reward but also mirrors technological advancements. In this exploration of the history of gambling, we will traverse the milestones that have shaped this industry, culminating in the contemporary landscape with a unique focus on the innovative aviator-game.com .
Early Beginnings:
Gambling's roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where rudimentary forms of dice games and betting on events were prevalent. The Greeks introduced the concept of casting lots, while the Romans had their own versions of dice games. The Middle Ages witnessed the emergence of card games, laying the groundwork for the modern deck of playing cards. Gambling permeated various cultures, transcending geographical boundaries and societal classes.
The Renaissance and Casinos:
The Renaissance era marked a resurgence of interest in the intellectual and artistic aspects of human civilization, and gambling became intertwined with leisure and entertainment. Casinos emerged in Italy, providing a social hub for the elite to indulge in games of chance. The 17th century saw the formalization of gambling establishments in France, setting the stage for the opulent casinos of the 19th century.
Industrial Revolution and Modern Casinos:
The Industrial Revolution brought about profound changes in society, and gambling was no exception. The 19th century witnessed the proliferation of casinos in Europe and the United States, with iconic establishments like Monte Carlo and Las Vegas becoming synonymous with glamour and fortune. The advent of slot machines and the widespread popularity of poker further diversified the gambling landscape.
Online Gambling Revolution:
The late 20th century saw a seismic shift with the advent of the internet, leading to the rise of online gambling. Virtual casinos and poker rooms allowed players to access their favorite games from the comfort of their homes. Technological advancements like secure payment methods and Random Number Generators (RNGs) enhanced the fairness and security of online gambling.
Aviator-Game and the Provably Fair Era:
The 21st century witnessed the emergence of Aviator, a pioneering online casino game that exemplifies simplicity, speed, and fairness. Developed by Spribe and launched in 2019, Aviator captivated players worldwide. What sets Aviator apart is its use of "Provably Fair" cryptographic technology, ensuring 100% fairness in game outcomes. Players, taking on the role of an air traffic controller, watch an airplane traverse the screen with rapidly changing numbers representing multipliers. The innovative "Cash Out" feature adds an element of strategy, as players aim to click before the plane exits, multiplying their bets.
Aviator-Game: A Gaming Revolution:
Aviator hosted on the independent gaming portal Aviator-Game, has become a cornerstone for enthusiasts. This platform, separate from traditional casinos or sports betting operators, provides invaluable insights into the Aviator game. It serves as a guide for choosing the best casinos, learning optimal strategies, and staying updated on bonuses across different platforms. The game's accessibility on both PCs and mobile devices has contributed to its widespread popularity, allowing players to engage with it anytime, anywhere.
The history of gambling reflects the evolution of human civilization, from ancient times to the digital age. Aviator-Game, with its innovative approach to online gaming, is a testament to the continuous evolution of the industry. As we navigate the complex tapestry of gambling's past, present, and future, it is evident that the thrill of taking risks and the allure of potential rewards will continue to captivate audiences, transcending time and technological boundaries.
October 23, 2021
I really like Kerouac, but I think you have to really, REALLY like him to totally enjoy this collection. It has so many pieces of his writing that it is overwhelming, and not many of them are really that good. Taken from a perspective of watching a writer develop and seeing the themes that run through his work, it is an interesting read. Taken for the enjoyment of reading, not so much.
Not all of it is a snooze. I really liked Chapter One from “Football Novella”! And I totally felt him, especially his dismay, in “The Birth of a Socialist”! (“Hundreds of unquestioning fools who get up at five in the morning and rush to a huge, vibrating asylum.”) His list in "The Romanticist" really resonated with me too! I also liked the samples from "The Sea is My Brother", a book I've already read, and enjoyed, before opening this one. So it wasn't a waste of time, but I don't know that I would personally consider it the first book of the Duluoz Legend Series. It is what the book cover says that it is - "Early Stories and Other Writings". Not more, not less.
Not all of it is a snooze. I really liked Chapter One from “Football Novella”! And I totally felt him, especially his dismay, in “The Birth of a Socialist”! (“Hundreds of unquestioning fools who get up at five in the morning and rush to a huge, vibrating asylum.”) His list in "The Romanticist" really resonated with me too! I also liked the samples from "The Sea is My Brother", a book I've already read, and enjoyed, before opening this one. So it wasn't a waste of time, but I don't know that I would personally consider it the first book of the Duluoz Legend Series. It is what the book cover says that it is - "Early Stories and Other Writings". Not more, not less.
July 15, 2024
Wow, just an essential book for Kerouac fans - this really cements his stature as a writer, referring to his voluminous output from late childhood until his early 20s.
He was a verifiable "writer," nothing else, covering every aspect of his life, experiences and imagination. The variety in this truncated volume is amazing.
It was very enjoyable seeing him develop his "voice" early on.
He was a verifiable "writer," nothing else, covering every aspect of his life, experiences and imagination. The variety in this truncated volume is amazing.
It was very enjoyable seeing him develop his "voice" early on.
October 31, 2021
Collection of early works from Kerouac, from 1936-1943. Hodge lodge of short stories, poems, articles, and biographical briefs. Interesting in showing the evolution of a writer, the quality is hit and miss.
August 11, 2017
A great book. You can watch Kerouac's style grow and mature from page to page. These early works crackle with energy.
October 23, 2017
6 STARS ...******
March 16, 2019
Beautifully written and read on his birthday :)
March 23, 2019
actio-bucked
December 20, 2020
Exceptional.
Read
April 15, 2021A genius working the raw clay
August 1, 2021
Interesting
September 7, 2022
3.5!
**read as part of a personal “book titles A-Z” challenge** [A]
**read as part of a personal “book titles A-Z” challenge** [A]
March 12, 2024
top 5:
Where the Road Begins
God
Famine for the Heart
The Wound of Living
The Sandbank Sage
Where the Road Begins
God
Famine for the Heart
The Wound of Living
The Sandbank Sage
July 28, 2024
Incredible read for anyone that enjoys kerouac.
March 7, 2025
So graceful and great wordsmith, loved it
April 15, 2025
A refreshing view (after Desolation Angels) of a youthful ambition, hope and honesty in the confusion of finding one’s way - I really enjoyed the segments.
June 2, 2025
A slower, finer reading pays more: I can see the truth in a snowflake now; I can see the truth in a stick.
May 26, 2025
More early, previously unpublished work by Kerouac. For completists and scholars only.
September 10, 2013
If you're contemplating becoming familiar with Kerouac's work, I urge you to pick up a copy of Atop an Underwood. When I first picked Jack Kerouac's writings off of a Wisconsin library shelf, I turned to two pages. The first in order to read the first sentence of the book (if at least the first paragraph doesn't trigger immediate intrigue, you might as well put that book back where you pulled it from. One more test: I always turn to page 111 when browsing a new novel, book, memoir, what-have-you. If something jumps off the page (something symbolic, meaningful, deeply personal), then that's it. Check out. Atop an Underwood remains one of my most beloved works of Kerouac's and I can't tell you how pleased I am that I decided to read his writings chronologically. It was almost like it was meant to be.
If you do decided to embark on an journey to your local library or give your nearest bookstore a visit, do us both a favor and take a peek inside first. Find "I Tell You It Is October!" (p.129), [Here I Am at Last with a Typewriter] (p.130), Credo (p.153), [I Am Going to Stress a New Set of Values] (p.160), [I Am My Mother's Son] (p.162), and ... This I Do Know— (p.169).
If you do decided to embark on an journey to your local library or give your nearest bookstore a visit, do us both a favor and take a peek inside first. Find "I Tell You It Is October!" (p.129), [Here I Am at Last with a Typewriter] (p.130), Credo (p.153), [I Am Going to Stress a New Set of Values] (p.160), [I Am My Mother's Son] (p.162), and ... This I Do Know— (p.169).
March 23, 2010
Just as everyone else has said, the writing in here isn't necessarily stellar, but it provides some pretty fascinating insights into the earliest works of an author whom I consider to be incredibly influential. However, in addition to the novelty of being able to read works that weren't really meant to be published, written by an adolescent who would eventually go on to be the voice of an era, the writing in here was reminiscent of all writing that kids do around that age. I found myself relating strongly to all the "this is who I am, this is what I like, and this is what I'm doing" kind of pieces, that aren't great pieces of fiction, more just a description of personality as you viewed it at that moment, and I feel bad that we can't read pieces like that from more writers from their youth.
October 28, 2018
This is a pretty varied collection in terms of its quality as it is a post-mortem collection of Kerouac's early writings. The earliest stuff is the most disposable to me, particularly the sports-related ephemera from his earliest writings where he would create fictitious sports leagues and narratives to go with them.
The back half of the book flows more with fragmentary "super short stories" (comprising a page or three) intermixed with poetry and slightly longer fragments, most notably one section that was part of the creative process leading to The Sea is My Brother.
I have read the Duluoz Legend as a whole, so for me filling it out with some of these extra writings is worth the time. This text has the virtue of reading easily in fits and starts, though one could also see the fragmentary nature of its contents as making it less fulfilling as well. Worthwhile though.
The back half of the book flows more with fragmentary "super short stories" (comprising a page or three) intermixed with poetry and slightly longer fragments, most notably one section that was part of the creative process leading to The Sea is My Brother.
I have read the Duluoz Legend as a whole, so for me filling it out with some of these extra writings is worth the time. This text has the virtue of reading easily in fits and starts, though one could also see the fragmentary nature of its contents as making it less fulfilling as well. Worthwhile though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews