Someday We'll Build Cabins

A book of letters revealing the inner desires and turmoils of Jack Kerouac after his rise to literary acclaim in the 1960s.

In 1960, Jack Kerouac began a correspondence with New York artist Jacques Beckwith. Their shared vision: to build cabins in the woods, retreats from a world of war, dishonesty, and literary pressure. Kerouac wrote, "I want to live in the woods where I don't even have to think about this evil world of wars and dishonesties."

But while Beckwith realized his dream, Kerouac was thwarted by alcoholism, lawsuits, constant travel, marital strife, and the burden of caring for his mother. These letters reveal the deeply human side of the Beat legend—his frustrations, distractions, and restless longing for peace.