Description
Kesey is a 1977 publication by Northwest Review Books, offering an intimate glimpse into Ken Kesey’s creative process. This compilation includes original drafts, stream-of-consciousness outlines, poems, drawings, and selections from his other writings, many of which were previously unpublished. The volume provides a unique perspective on Kesey’s development as a writer, showcasing the raw materials that contributed to his seminal works like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Sometimes a Great Notion. Edited by Michael Strelow and the staff of the Northwest Review, this collection is a valuable resource for understanding the depth and breadth of Kesey’s literary contributions. The cover art—a loose, blue line drawing by Kesey—depicts Randall P. McMurphy, Kesey’s iconic antihero.
Ken Kesey (1935–2001) was a pivotal figure in American literature and counterculture. Born in La Junta, Colorado, and raised in Springfield, Oregon, Kesey’s experiences in the Pacific Northwest deeply influenced his writing. He gained national acclaim with his debut novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1962), which critiqued institutional authority and became a defining work of the 1960s. Kesey’s involvement with the Merry Pranksters and his embrace of psychedelic culture further cemented his status as a cultural icon. His innovative narrative techniques and exploration of individual freedom continue to resonate in contemporary literature.
A rare and insightful collection that delves into the mind of one of America’s most influential literary figures.
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