Beat Generation Book Set

Originating in the late 1940s and grown from the bohemian artist communities of America, the Beat Generation sought to transform literature into an expression of genuine lived experience. Rebelling against the perceived joylessness and consumerism of post-war society at that time, the Beat Generation writers subverted literary norms and expectations. Often performing their experimental free-flowing works aloud and accompanied by jazz.

From Ferlinghetti's and Snyder's poetry to Kerouac's On the Road and The Dharma Bums, this set of six includes some of the greatest works of this movement.

Inspired by the smokey cafes where these artists spent their time writing and performing, our limited palette design evokes this unique literary movement.

Interested in learning more about the creation of this set? Check out our interview with the designer in this blog post!

The books chosen for this set are published by Library of America, Everyman's Library, New Directions, Viking, and North Atlantic Books.