Minor Characters

Discover the untold stories of the female friends and lovers behind the Beat Generation - Joyce Johnson, Edie Parker, Elise Cowen, Diane Di Prima, and many more. While Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs are well-known icons, Minor Characters sheds light on the women who played vital roles in forging the Beat movement. Joyce Johnson, an aspiring novelist, fell in love with Kerouac before he became a celebrity. Through her eyes, readers witness the cultural revolution the Beats created in the streets of the East Village. With wit, love, and a critical eye, Minor Characters showcases an original American voice - Johnson's own.