In a remarkable event for literary aficionados, the original typewritten scroll of Jack Kerouac’s seminal work, *On the Road*, is poised to be auctioned at Christie’s in March. This extraordinary 37-metre (121-foot) manuscript, famed for its chaotic and free-flowing style, carries an estimated value between £1.8 million and £2.9 million ($2.5 million to $4 million). The scroll is a highlight of the Jim Irsay Collection, renowned for its impressive assortment of cultural memorabilia.
A Beat Generation Treasure
The scroll, crafted in a creative frenzy over a mere three weeks in April 1951, showcases Kerouac’s groundbreaking approach to writing. Rather than using individual pages, he taped together sheets of tracing paper, allowing for an uninterrupted flow of thought. This unique method resulted in a single, sprawling document devoid of traditional paragraph breaks or chapter divisions, embodying the essence of a journey—much like the narrative itself.
Heather Weintraub, a specialist in the books and manuscripts department at Christie’s, shared her insights on the significance of this artefact, stating, “This is the original and only scroll for the first draft of Kerouac’s masterpiece. It’s widely considered to be the most iconic artefact of the Beat Generation, and one of the most celebrated objects in American literature.” She further noted how the scroll’s raw form includes the real names of characters before they underwent changes for publication, adding an intimate layer to its historical value.
Controversy Surrounds the Auction
The upcoming auction is not without its controversies. When the manuscript was last offered in 2001, it stirred significant backlash from Carolyn Cassady, the widow of Neal Cassady—the inspiration for the character Dean Moriarty. Cassady labelled the sale as “blasphemy,” arguing that such a significant piece of literary history should reside in a public library rather than a private collection. “Jack loved public libraries,” she remarked, fearing that a wealthy buyer might sequester the scroll from public view.
The late Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts and a passionate collector, sought to share his collection with the public, often loaning items for exhibitions. Weintraub expressed hope that the scroll, if purchased privately, would be showcased similarly, making it accessible to all. “I personally hope that a public institution will buy it so it can be seen by everyone,” she said, underscoring the importance of public access to such historical documents.
A Glimpse of Other Auction Highlights
The auction on 12 March will feature not only Kerouac’s scroll but also a wealth of other significant artefacts. Among the highlights are Paul McCartney’s handwritten lyrics for *Hey Jude*, an affidavit from McCartney in 1970 concerning the dissolution of The Beatles, and Sylvester Stallone’s original notebook for *Rocky*. Additionally, Jim Morrison’s personal journal will be available, making this event a rich tapestry of 20th-century cultural history.
Additionally, Christie’s Rockefeller Plaza galleries will host a free public exhibition of nearly 400 items from the Irsay Collection from 6 to 12 March, offering a rare opportunity for fans and scholars to engage with these cultural treasures prior to the auction.
Why it Matters
The auction of Kerouac’s scroll is not merely an event for collectors; it represents a pivotal moment in the preservation of literary history. As the Beat Generation continues to influence modern culture, the potential for public access to such artefacts serves as a reminder of the importance of literature in shaping societal narratives. The scroll’s sale may spark renewed interest in the Beat movement and its ongoing relevance, making it crucial that these significant works remain in the public consciousness.
