The Dharma Bums

The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac, published by Penguin on May 27, 1971, is a reissue of the classic novel originally released in 1958. This edition features 256 pages and is presented in English. The narrative explores themes of friendship, the search for meaning, and the allure of nature through the experiences of two young Americans, Japhy Ryder and Ray Smith, as they embark on a quest for Truth.
Readers will find a vivid portrayal of the characters’ journey, which takes them from lively gatherings in San Francisco’s Bohemia to the serene heights of the High Sierras. The story captures their adventures and philosophical explorations, reflecting elements of biographical and religious fiction. The Dharma Bums stands as a significant work within Kerouac’s oeuvre, inviting readers to contemplate the deeper aspects of life through the lens of the Beat Generation.
Official synopsis Publisher
Jack Kerouac’s classic novel about friendship, the search for meaning, and the allure of nature
“In [On the Road] Kerouac’s heroes were sensation seekers; now they are seekers after truth . . . the novel often attains a beautiful dignity.”—Chicago Tribune
First published in 1958, a year after On the Road put the Beat Generation on the map, The Dharma Bums stands as one of Jack Kerouac’s most powerful and influential novels. The story focuses on two ebullient young Americans—mountaineer, poet, and Zen Buddhist Japhy Ryder, and Ray Smith, a zestful, innocent writer—whose quest for Truth leads them on a heroic odyssey, from marathon parties and poetry jam sessions in San Francisco’s Bohemia to solitude and mountain climbing in the High Sierras.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “The Dharma Bums” about?
Who is the author of “The Dharma Bums”?
When was “The Dharma Bums” published?
What is the ISBN for “The Dharma Bums”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
