Signed book: The House of Atreus. London: MacMillan, 1924. Hardcover, 4 x 6.25, 182 pages. Signed on the half title page in pencil by Kerouac. The House of Atreus containing the plays of Aeschylus, "The Agamemnon, Libation-Bearers Furies. This is a very early signature "John Kerouac" so it could have possibly been a schoolbook. It is signed in pencil on the cover page. There are several annotations in the book mostly made with pencil. Kerouac had a special interest in the writer's style, marking a section that reads, "Of such odes, this Trilogy, and especially the Agamemnon, presents to us the noblest surviving specimens. They may be regarded as the poet's profoundest musings on the moral and religions and historical problems suggested by mythical tale which forms the groundwork for his drama." Then another section that reads, "For we have in both, the same central idea; the succession, that is of guilt, atonement, absolution. In Agamemnon, some themes are Human action in its most violent and problematic aspects - lust for power and the violence that accompanies it; clash between male and female dominance; crime and punishment; emotion v. reason; tribalism v. democracy; pollution and purification. All are intensified because they occur within the family. Similar to Kerouac's "the Town and the City" that was a depiction of his family and growing up in a milltown. Perhaps the first inkling of inspiration. Kerouac has made notes on 12 pages, not including pencil highlights elsewhere. The last three pages are full of Kerouac's study notes. The notes read, "Koros - Fullness of head - Comfort. Hybris - Wanton ??? - Pride. Ate - Doom. Cycle which greek expected after too great success, pri?? And insolence." Then the following page reads, "Greek play prologue (anything before first chorus) - watchman. Paradus C - Paradus page 5. Episode I - Clytimnestra page 13. Stasimon I C - Statsimon page 17. Episode II Ch?? Ode - Herald page 23. Statismon II strophe, anticipation, episode. Episode III - Statsimon page 31. Koonsnos c and out - Coming of Agamemnon page 36-37. Exodus. Epilogue - actors go out. Idea very near that of Christian attitude. Plays said(???) because they are just a little pre?? To Christian idea. In fine condition, with mild toning to pages and light wear to spine and covers. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
