Jack Kerouac (1922-1969) was an American author and painter and the central figure of the Beat Generation of the 1950s. His most famous books include On the Road, The Dharma Bums, and Big Sur. Several of his novels have been adapted into popular films. In 1959 Kerouac released his long-form poem, Mexico City Blues, which is his most important work of poetry. Few authors can claim as large an influence on American culture as Jack Kerouac and his examinations of youth and rebellion.