William S. Burroughs

Novelist and essayist; 'Naked Lunch'

William S. Burroughs - Artists & Creatives born February 5th, 1914
Born
Died
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Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

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An American novelist and essayist, contributed significantly to the Beat Generation of the 1950s. His most acclaimed work, 'Naked Lunch', published in 1959, features a non-linear narrative and explores themes of addiction, control, and societal critique. This controversial novel faced legal challenges and censorship but has since gained recognition as a seminal work of postmodern literature. Burroughs also experimented with cut-up writing techniques, influencing various artistic domains. He published several other notable works including 'Junky' and 'The Ticket That Exploded', and engaged in diverse artistic collaborations and countercultural movements throughout his life.

Authored the controversial novel 'Naked Lunch'

Pioneered cut-up writing techniques

Wrote influential works like 'Junky'

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