Grouping of two TLSs and a typed manuscript relating to the impending publication of Vanity of Duluoz, the 1968 semi-autobiographical novel of Jack Keruoac. The book follows Kerouac’s alter-ego Jack Duluoz as he makes his way though Lowell High School, Columbia University, and his subsequent naval service, and is noteworthy for being the final published work before Kerouac’s death in 1969.
The first TLS, signed “Jack Kerouac,” one page, 8.5 x 11, August 6, 1967, a letter to Ann Sheldon, the secretary to editor Ellis Amburn, in full: “A note from Ellis Amburn says he’s going on vacation till August 21. I’ve dug up three new pictures, printed on thick glossy paper of my prepschool yearbook, and am taking the liberty of having copies and negatives prepared and sent to you. It may change Ellis’ mind about what pictures he’ll use at the sales conference late this month. He also inquired about a merchant marine picture taken by ‘a man at the Columbia (college) bookstore.’ This man was Robert Christie and Ellis wanted to give him a call. If he’s still there, he might dig up said photo. Photo was in uniform, head and shoulders. I’m trying to give Ellis all the pixes he needs, as requested. He says you will pay the photo bill(s) when they come in. Okay? Will be useful for later books too.” The letter has been annotated in another hand, likely that of Sheldon, and makes reference to “Vanity of Duluoz.”
The second letter, signed “Jack,” one page, 8.5 x 11, October 28, 1967, addressed to Amburn, his book editor, in full: “Okay, glad the professional proofreaders are giving the pages a last look. And, yes, in answer to your question, the book is a ‘style departure,’ I felt I was getting too old for ‘style’ and particularly because I had become a victim of style instead of the other way around….I mean, like the fantasy style of Subterraneans, say, it got to dictate to me. Anyway, I also wanted to suggest that the dustjacket blurb should be like simple recitation of what the book’s about because I think 90% of reviewers only read the blurb, the first page, and the last page, and so the blurb should not have anything in it that’s open to one clever kind of derision or other. But, I leave the judgment to you. You know their tricks. This is not a suggestion, but I’ve always felt a photograph makes a better dustjacket cover than anything: how about a blow-up of the curlyhead with the big ‘L’ on the sweater, at that birthday party, as it implies vanity, sadness, the way Duluoz looked, and would seem strange altogether standing up in a display. Just the head and chest (sweater), not the other people (who would recognize themselves.) Up to you. Just an idea. If you have anything to do with the future reprint sale, make it a whopper, matey. Hope to see you in New York this winter.”
A typed manuscript, two pages, 8.5 x 11, signed at the conclusion in black ballpoint, “Jack Kerouac, Nov. 27, 1966.” Entitled “Outline of Vanity of Duluoz (Jack Kerouac),” in part: “‘Vanity of Duluoz’ is the last gap that remains in the Duluoz Legend up until the early ‘60s. In other words, it completes the Legend up to the end of ‘Big Sur.’ The sequel to Vanity itself is ‘On the Road.’ And Vanity is the sequel to ‘Maggie Cassidy.’ Vanity was planned decades ago, in 1943 to be exact, and the title, thru a thousand changes of mind, keeps sticking nevertheless and irrevocably…The Adventurous Education of Duluoz gives an idea of the plot, because, according to my early love of Jack London, I felt I had to be an adventurer as well as a scholar or be neither in total knowledge. It’s also, again, the story of my father and how he wished me to be a success but died before it happened. In the story are the early Burroughs, Ginsberg, some hundred gal friends (no need to go through all of them), travels, jobs of all kinds, endless reading and writing in solitude: in effect, in a way, a lesson to the lazy beatniks and teenagers of today who never had to work their way through college and really never had experiences that ranged beyond the pad, the car, the high, the balling: it is, really, the most fabulous adventure in my ‘ubiquitous’ and silly but serious life, and I intend to write it spontaneously, briefly and best I can. If critics say I’m unreadable, I’m a non-writer, I’m no good, then Okay, that leaves me free to write my own way. It won’t be any longer than ‘Desolation Angels.’ In other words, a ‘big’ book in contrast to some of my recent ones.” Stamped in the upper right corner of first page by “The Sterling Lord Agency.” In overall very good to fine condition, with staple holes to corners and scattered light creasing.
In late 1966, Kerouac moved from Lowell, Massachusetts, to St. Petersburg, Florida, with his new wife Stella Sampas and his mother Gabrielle. Removed from the ‘Beat Generation’ and fading into an alcoholic haze, Kerouac strove to finish his final novel, Vanity of Duluoz, with the help of Desolation Angels editor Ellis Amburn. Serving as Kerouac’s contextual guide and voice of reason, Amburn offered queries and suggestions, but was contractually forbidden from altering any of the work. Amburn later chronicled his experiences with the author in a biography entitled Subterranean Kerouac. Interestingly, Kerouac’s belief that “a photograph makes a better dustjacket cover” was ultimately shared by Amburn, who, ‘sensing that Vanity of Duluoz would be Kerouac’s last major novel,’ opted to release a type of ‘commemorative edition.’ The first printing dust jacket featured photographs of the author on the front and back, intimate pictures Kerouac retrieved from his own family albums. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
(inquire for price)
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
