William S. Burroughs

William Seward Burroughs (February 5, 1914 – August 2, 1997) was an American novelist, essayist, social critic and spoken word performer. Much of Burroughs' work is semi-autobiographical, drawn from his experiences as an opiate addict, which he often distored using surreal or graphic imagery, experimental structures, and a strong satirical voice. Burroughs stated that he saw all his writing as a single, vast book; indeed, the same characters and themes often reappear intermittently throughout his oeuvre.

Influence

Burroughs is often called one of the greatest and most influential writers of the 20th century; others, however, consider him overrated. Others still consider his conceptual ideas more influential than his prose.

Related Topics:
20th century - Prose

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His influence, however, on the literary landscape was undeniable, and he continues to be named as an influence by contemporary fiction writers like William Gibson. The late postmodern writer Kathy Acker often cited Burroughs as her first major influence. He remains controversial because of his homosexuality, drug use, and the often criticized obscene and misogynistic tone of his works, though it should be noted that Burroughs' ideas about and attitudes towards women gradually became more friendly as he aged. Burroughs was regarded as being extremely intelligent and a generally quiet person.

Related Topics:
William Gibson - Postmodern - Kathy Acker

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Burroughs' works continue to be referenced years after his death. For example, a November 2004 episode of the TV series ' included reference to an evil character named Dr. Benway (named for an amoral physician who appears in a number of Burroughs' works). Similarly, in the hospital scene in the movie Repo Man both Dr. Benway and Mr. Lee (a Burroughs pen name) are paged.

Related Topics:
November 2004 - Repo Man

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Other significant cultural figures and institutions directly influenced by the work and life of Burroughs include:

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Writers:

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• Brion Gysin
• David Woodard (see also http://www.davidwoodard.com)
• Martin Amis
• Will Self

Visual artists:

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• Keith Haring
• Jean-Michel Basquiat

Musicians and performing artists:

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• Laurie Anderson
• Bono
• Kurt Cobain
• David Bowie
• Geoff Rickly of Thursday
• Steely Dan
• Soft Machine
• Patti Smith
• The Fall
• Joy Division
• Genesis P-Orridge
• The Libertines
• Broadcast

Other:

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• Mondo 2000
• Wired Magazine
• Cyberpunk
• Splatterpunk
• Church of the SubGenius