Need to read something by William S. Burroughs

[Borek]

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?

 

[Bystander]

best example

http://literaturebooksstores.blogspot.com/2012/11/cliffsnotes-ap-english-literature-and.html
Couldn't even make it through the Wiki bio. --- you might try "Bladerunner," but that's probably

being influential for a thing I have to write about.

the topic you're working on.

 

[zoobyshoe]

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.

 

[zoobyshoe]

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.

 

[Bystander]

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]

I'm inclined to agree --- just noting a rather odd item from the Wiki bio. --- .

Oh. Here's the connection:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade_Runner_(a_movie)

 

[Bystander]

the connection:

Tenuous as it is.

 

[Borek]

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.

 

[William White]

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

 

[William White]

Dr Benway Operates (strong language!)

 

[Borek]

Thanks for suggestions. I already have Naked Lunch, so I will start with it.