Need to read something by William S. Burroughs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for reading works by William S. Burroughs, particularly focusing on which book serves as a typical example of his prose or is considered essential for understanding his influence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests "Naked Lunch" as the essential work to read to understand Burroughs.
  • Another participant mentions "Bladerunner" but questions its relevance to Burroughs, noting that it is based on a novel by Philip K. Dick.
  • A participant agrees that Burroughs had no connection to "Bladerunner" and references an odd item from a Wikipedia biography.
  • Another participant recommends "Cities Of The Red Night" and "The Western Lands," arguing they are better than "Naked Lunch" and expand on previous themes.
  • One participant highlights the graphic nature of Burroughs' works, mentioning detailed descriptions of violence and drug use.
  • A suggestion is made to listen to "Spare Ass Annie," a selection of Burroughs' short stories read by himself, as a way to experience his work.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on which works are most representative of Burroughs, with some favoring "Naked Lunch" while others advocate for "Cities Of The Red Night" and "The Western Lands." There is no consensus on a single recommended work.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference external sources, such as Wikipedia, which may contain inaccuracies or oddities regarding Burroughs' connections to other works. The discussion includes varying interpretations of Burroughs' themes and writing style.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in modern literature, particularly those exploring influential authors and their works, may find this discussion relevant.

Borek
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I want to read something by William S. Burroughs, as he is quoted as being influential for a thing I have to write about. Which book would you recommend as a typical for him, or a best example of his prose?
 
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Borek said:
I want to read something by William S. Burroughs, as he is quoted as being influential for a thing I have to write about. Which book would you recommend as a typical for him, or a best example of his prose?
Burroughs became known for one work, Naked Lunch. Read that and you will have read the essential Burroughs.
 
Bystander said:
you might try "Bladerunner," but that's probably

the topic you're working on.
The film Bladerunner was based on a novel by Phillip K. Dick. I'm just about positive Burroughs had nothing to do with it.
 
zoobyshoe said:
just about positive Burroughs had nothing to do with it.
I'm inclined to agree --- just noting a rather odd item from the Wiki bio. --- .
 
zoobyshoe said:
the connection:
Tenuous as it is.
 
zoobyshoe said:
Burroughs became known for one work, Naked Lunch. Read that and you will have read the essential Burroughs.

Thanks. Turns out one of my friends has a Polish version and offered to borrow.
 
Having read all of his works, I would suggest Cities Of The Red Night followed by The Western Lands; both better than Naked Lunch, expanding on previous themes and being more accessible. Cities of The Red Night in particular for its incredible intentional bathos and (literal) gallows humour, which Burroughs was a master at.

Note that a lot of his works are *still* quite graphic after all these years; with very detailed descriptions of violent homosexual orgies; sexually motivated executions; drug taking and casual murder .I would very much recommend listening to Spare Ass Annie which is a selection of his short stories (including the peerless Junky's Christmas and the hilarious Doctor Benway Operates from Naked Lunch) read by himself, set to music by the Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy

http://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0000102558
 
Last edited:
  • #10
Dr Benway Operates (strong language!)
 
  • #11
Thanks for suggestions. I already have Naked Lunch, so I will start with it.
 

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