"On the Road" is a novel written by Jack Kerouac, published in 1957. It is a defining work of the Beat Generation, capturing the spirit of adventure and the quest for meaning in post-World War II America. The story follows Sal Paradise, a young writer, as he travels across the country with his friends, exploring themes of freedom, friendship, and the search for identity. The narrative is based on Kerouac's own experiences and features real-life figures, including Neal Cassady, who serves as the inspiration for the character Dean Moriarty. The book is known for its spontaneous prose style and has influenced countless writers and artists, becoming a classic of American literature.