Jack Kerouac was an American novelist and poet, best known for his role in the Beat Generation, a literary movement of the 1950s that explored and influenced American culture. His most famous work, On the Road, published in 1957, is a semi-autobiographical novel that captures the spirit of adventure and the quest for meaning in post-war America. Kerouac's writing style is characterized by spontaneous prose, reflecting his desire to capture the flow of thought and experience. He often drew inspiration from his travels and friendships with other notable figures, such as Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs, who were also key members of the Beat movement.