Who were the Beats of the 1950s?

The Beats of the 1950s were a group of American writers and artists who rejected conventional societal norms and embraced alternative lifestyles, exploring themes of spirituality, sexuality, and anti-materialism. Key figures included Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs, whose works often reflected their experiences with jazz, drugs, and Eastern philosophies. The movement significantly influenced American literature and culture, laying the groundwork for the countercultural movements of the 1960s. Their spontaneous writing style and focus on personal expression helped redefine literary boundaries.