Book of Haikus

This collection showcases Jack Kerouac's mastery of haikus, offering over five hundred poems that highlight his unique approach to this traditional form.

Renowned for his Beat Generation novel Book of Haikus, Jack Kerouac also excelled in the art of haiku, the concise Japanese poetic form consisting of three lines and seventeen syllables. This collection, curated by Kerouac scholar Regina Weinreich, not only presents a core manuscript of his haikus but also includes an extensive selection from various sources, showcasing the breadth of his poetic exploration. Kerouac's approach to haiku was deeply influenced by traditional masters like Basho and Issa, yet he ventured beyond conventional syllable constraints to capture the essence of the form.

In Book of Haikus, readers will find over five hundred poems that reveal a lesser-known facet of Kerouac's literary contributions. His haikus are characterized by their simplicity and grace, often creating vivid imagery that resonates with the spirit of nature and human experience. Kerouac believed that a haiku should be free of poetic embellishments, aiming instead to evoke a clear mental picture while maintaining an airy elegance akin to a Vivaldi pastorella.

This edition serves as both a tribute to Kerouac's innovative spirit and a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of Beat literature and Japanese poetry. By presenting a comprehensive view of Kerouac's haikus, Book of Haikus enriches our understanding of his artistic legacy and invites readers to appreciate the beauty of simplicity in poetic expression.