Kerouac (Jack) Book of Dreams, signed presentation inscription from the author to Lucien Carr and Sheila Johnson "To Lucien & Cessa from Jack (KE ROACH) - To complete collection of my blather - etc. etc. Lou read dream p. 162 'California Camp' (you is 'Julien')", the inside front cover with a cartoon of a smiling man and the inside back cover with abstract drawings in red and blue signed "Drawing for Lou by Jack" followed by a pyramid of six X's, some childish pencil scribblings to final p., the title and first gathering working loose, original photo-pictorial wrappers, creasing to spine, some rubbing and creasing to extremities, some marking and soiling to covers, preserved in folding chemise and custom morocco-backed slip-case, 8vo, San Francisco, City Lights Books, [1961].

⁂ A superb presentation copy from Kerouac to a lynchpin figure in the Beat Generation as well as a close friend and personal inspiration.

Lucien Carr (1925-2005) introduced Kerouac to Ginsberg and later to William S. Burroughs, together forming the extraordinary literary and intellectual circle that became known as "the Beats". Carr made significant contributions to the early intellectual development of this new set, however on 13th August 1944 he stabbed and killed David Kammerer, another friend of the group. Carr confessed the crime to Burroughs and Kerouac, claiming that Kammerer had sexually assaulted him. Kerouac initially assisted in attempting to cover up the crime before Carr followed Burroughs' advice and turned himself in to the police. Kerouac was also arrested as an accessory. Carr was sentenced to 10 years in prison, serving 2 prior to release. He would remain in close contact with Kerouac and Ginsberg for the remainder of their lives.