We’re thrilled to announce the release of The Buddhist Years: Collected Writings—a powerful new volume of never-before-published work from Jack Kerouac, now available from Sal Paradise Press and Rare Bird Books in partnership with The Estate of Jack Kerouac.

Edited by Charles Shuttleworth, The Buddhist Years: Collected Writings offers a rare window into Kerouac’s deeply personal exploration of Buddhism and spirituality. Drawn entirely from his vast archives, these writings show Jack not as the wild figure often imagined, but as a soul-searching, intensely reflective man who believed writing was his spiritual path.

Kerouac saw Buddhism not just as a belief system, but as a way to make sense of his art, his restlessness, and the world around him. This collection is honest, revealing, and quintessentially Kerouac—alive with insight, yearning, and raw emotion.

This is the fourth release in our ongoing series from the Kerouac archives, following Desolation Peak (2022), Truth and Beautiful Meaningful Lies (2023), and Self-Portrait (2024).

A portion of proceeds will benefit the Jack Kerouac Foundation and its ongoing efforts to renovate the future Jack Kerouac Center —bringing the historic building up to code with essential upgrades like HVAC, sprinklers, ADA accessibility, and restrooms. All donations are tax-deductible and make a real difference to this community arts and performance center.