San Francisco Blues [Mass Market Paperback]

Jack Kerouac (Author)

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (July 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0146001184
• ISBN-13: 978-0146001185
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,210,622 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jack Kerouac (1922-1969), the central figure of the Beat Generation, was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1922 and died in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1969. Among his many novels are On the Road, The Dharma Bums, Big Sur, and Visions of Cody.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A colorful examination of San Francisco life, January 17, 2008

By 

DONALD G. FOX "Santee Sioux" (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: San Francisco Blues (Mass Market Paperback)

In his introduction to this small volume of poems, Kerouac indicates that it was his first book of poems written in 1954 in the form of blues choruses. He writes "...in these blues as in jazz, the form is determined by time, and by the musician's spontaneous phrasing & harmonizing with the beat of the time as it waves & waves on by in measured choruses." Indeed, the poems are divided into 80 one-page choruses and are quick snapshot-reflections on various details around the poet's everyday living, thinking, imagining, and walking in San Francisco. Some younger people may not readily understand the abstract "hipster" poetry, but it is obviously a great example of the great visionary poety and writings of Kerouac's world and time. It's a quick read and the reader's appreciation will grow with re-readings.