Letter: Kerouac wrote, then drank
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.HESTER Lacey, in her fascinating article on modern drug writing ("It's not big and it's not clever", 8 March), misquotes me as saying that Kerouac "wrote when he was stone cold sober". He wasn't that systematic, but usually didn't get drunk until after the stint. His growing recourse to Benzedrine to replace a failing inspiration was not very successful. There was something inviolate, even prissy, about his personality which was antipathetic to the dissolving powers of psychedelic drugs (rather like William Burroughs who only ever had one acid trip). Kerouac died the classic alcoholic's death, from cirrhosis of the liver, at 47.
Duncan Fallowell
London W11
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments