Jack Kerouac's Original Scroll Manuscript of 'On the Road' Heads to Auction

An early draft of Jack Kerouac's seminal Beat Generation novel 'On the Road' is set to be auctioned, with estimates reaching up to $4 million. The manuscript is notable for its unique physical form: Kerouac typed it on a continuous 121-foot-long scroll, created by taping sheets of paper together to avoid interruptions from reloading his typewriter. This artifact represents a key moment in literary history, capturing the raw, spontaneous prose style that defined the Beat movement. The auction highlights the enduring cultural and historical significance of Kerouac's work, attracting interest from collectors and institutions. The sale underscores the market for rare literary manuscripts and their value as cultural heritage items. No specific auction house or date is mentioned in the source, but the anticipated high price reflects the scroll's iconic status. This event connects to broader trends in preserving and monetizing influential artistic and literary works.