William S. Burroughs

American novelist and essayist (1914–1997), key figure of the Beat Generation, known for the cut-up technique and works such as Naked Lunch.

Born 1914, died 1997. Central figure of the Beat Generation; developed or popularized the cut-up technique with Brion Gysin. Attended Harvard. Naked Lunch was adapted to film by David Cronenberg. Collaborated with and influenced musicians; released spoken-word albums such as Dead City Radio and Spare Ass Annie.

DeBaser reviews present William S. Burroughs as a central, confrontational figure of the Beat Generation, known for drug-themed, experimental writing and the cut-up method. Reviews cover spoken-word albums and novels, noting musical collaborations and cultural influence. His work is described as challenging, hallucinatory and often divisive.

For:Readers of experimental and Beat literature; fans of spoken-word and avant-garde music; those interested in 20th-century literary counterculture.