2 by Ken Kesey: The Further Inquiry and Kesey’s Jail Journal. The Viking Press, 1999 and 2003.

Description

Ken Kesey’s The Further Inquiry, published by Viking Press in 1999, is a fascinating and visually rich exploration of the cultural phenomenon of the Merry Pranksters and their famous cross-country journey in the psychedelic bus named Further. Kesey, an iconic figure of the counterculture movement, revisits the pivotal moments of his life and the era that defined the 1960s.

The book is a mix of narrative, dialogue, and artwork, structured as a kind of theatrical inquiry or trial in which Kesey reflects on the adventures and misadventures of the Pranksters. It blends surreal storytelling with a courtroom-style framing device, interrogating the motives, actions, and legacy of the group. The work is both a celebration of the counterculture’s exuberance and a critical look at its excesses.

Kesey’s writing is supplemented by vivid photographs, illustrations, and multimedia elements, making the book a hybrid of memoir, historical document, and art piece. It serves as a meditation on freedom, rebellion, and the pursuit of enlightenment through unconventional means.

If you’re interested in the psychedelic era, the Merry Pranksters, or Kesey’s unique literary voice, The Further Inquiry offers an immersive and thought-provoking experience. Bonus points for the publishers turning the lower corner of the book into a “flip book” starrting a dancing Neal Cassady.

Ken Kesey’s Kesey’s Jail Journal, published by Viking Press in 2003, is a raw, candid, and reflective account of the author’s time spent in a jail cell. The book is an intimate look at the period when Kesey was arrested in 1965 after being caught with marijuana. The arrest and its aftermath played a significant role in Kesey’s life, particularly in shaping his understanding of the American justice system and his views on freedom, rebellion, and the societal expectations of his time.

Kesey’s Jail Journal is presented as a series of journal entries, filled with humor, insight, and profound philosophical reflections. It serves as a personal document of the experiences, frustrations, and observations Kesey made during his brief but significant time in prison. The journal captures Kesey’s musings on a wide range of topics, from the absurdities of incarceration to deeper considerations of life, liberty, and the American cultural landscape.

The book is not just about Kesey’s experience behind bars, but also about his thoughts on the world around him, society’s rules, and his own role within it. It’s a compelling and personal exploration of Kesey’s inner life during a challenging and transformative period.

Kesey’s Jail Journal offers a more grounded and introspective side of the author, contrasting with the exuberance and outwardly rebellious spirit seen in his earlier works, such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Sometimes a Great Notion. It’s a testament to Kesey’s ability to find meaning and humor even in the most trying circumstances, making it a fascinating read for fans of his work and anyone interested in the counterculture movement of the 1960s.