Shorter Novels of Herman Melville.

Jack Kerouac's copy of the Black and Gold edition of Melville's shorter stories with his ownership signature. Octavo, original cloth, gilt titles and elaborate gilt tooling to the spine, silk endleaves. Introduction by Raymond Weaver. In near fine condition. Signed and dated by Kerouac opposite the title page, “John Kerouac 1948.” Kerouac has also marked pages 79, 128, 130, 132, and 133. In near fine condition. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. An exceptionally rare example not only offering a glimpse into Kerouac's early literary thinking, but one of the books that influenced his unique style.