Collection of selected correspondence between writer Jack Kerouac and family, friends, and other literary figures before 1956. Includes letters to and from William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg; to Kerouac's mother, Gabrielle Kerouac; Neal Cassady; Alfred Kazin; and many others. Contain references to early writings, travels, relationships, etc. Letters presented chronologically, annotated, and linked with editor commentary. Includes biographical chronology and editor introduction.