Born in 1935, Ken Kesey grew up in Oregon. After graduating from the University of Oregon, he received a Stegner fellowship from Stanford University, where he studied fiction under Wallace Stegner, Malcom Cowley, and Frank O'Connor.

writing "Sometimes a Great Notion" circa 1962              

Kesey's first two novels,
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
and                            
Sometimes a Great Notion,
brought him great literary fame.

Ken passed away in November 2001, leaving a legacy of love and good will that serves as an inspiration, not only for a generation who revered his message and antics, but for all of humanity for generations to come.

His other books included Kesey's Garage Sale, Demon Box, The Further Inquiry, Sailor Song, Last Go Round (with Ken Babbs) and the children's books Little Tricker the Squirrel Meets Big Double the Bear and The Sea Lion.