William Seward Burroughs was one of the most important artists of the 20th century. He wrote
18 novels and novellas as well as short stories and essays on a wide range of interests... and was also known for his work as a painter and in other media, as well as his public performances.
Beginning with his friends Allen Ginsberg and
Jack Kerouac in the late 40s, he would be a major influence on generations of artists in the United States and around the world, including Lester Bangs, Patti Smith, William Gibson, Tom Waits
and Kurt Cobain.
Tanja M. Laden has compiled a fascinating list
of 97 moments of Burrough's long and productive life- here's 5 of them to tempt you on your way to her article...
52. Burroughs moved to Columbia in search
of the entheogenic vine yagé (ayahuasca) in 1953.
61. After it was published in the US in 1962,
Naked Lunch was officially declared obscene
by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Allen Ginsberg and Norman Mailer testified in defense
of the book.
62. In 1966, courts rejected the obscenity charges against Naked Lunch. The case marked the last major censorship hearing against written
literature in America.
72. While he was one of the pioneers of
gay liberation movement, Burroughs said,
“I have never been gay a day in my life.”
97. William S. Burroughs’ final words in his last journal entry were:
“Love? What is it?
Most natural painkiller
what there is. Love.”
Most natural painkiller
what there is. Love.”
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