What was the Beat Generation?

The Beat Generation was the literary movement in America after the World War II. It was the group of young authors, who shared literal views and life style and who largely influenced American culture. Key characteristics of Beat movement were rejection of conventional values, spontaneous writing, the spiritual quest, exploration of Eastern religions, criticism of materialism, explicit writing about human condition, experimentation with drugs and sex. The most important authors of Beat Generation were writer Jack Kerouac (novel On the Road) and poet Alan Ginsberg (poetry book Howl). Famous writer William S. Burroughs was also friend with members of Beat Generation, although he denied to be the part of this movement.