The Enthusiast

Neal Cassady.

http://jac.vonspace.com/images/neal1.jpg

It is said that without Neal Cassady, the Beat Generation would have never existed. This influential figure, who never actually published a book during his lifetime, inspired one of the greatest literary movements in American history. He inspired the writings of Jack Kerouac, as Jack found himself in awe of Cassady's sheer excitement and spontaneous approach to life. 
Cassady appeared as a main character in his literary creations, as they began their first cross-country travels. 'On The Road', by Jack Kerouac was a literary documentation of the adventures and aimless travels across the United States that Kerouac and Cassady embarked on together. The book manifested the pure character of Cassady, written 'in a rush of mad ecstasy, without self-consciousness or mental hesitation.' Essentially, the book materialized the voice of Cassady, the true personality and character of a man that tried to be whoever the person he was with wanted him to be. 


http://www.beatmuseum.org/cassady/nealcassady.html