Naked Lunch

In William S. Burroughs' groundbreaking novel 'Naked Lunch,' readers are plunged into a surreal, non-linear narrative that defies conventional storytelling. The protagonist, William Lee, navigates a nightmarish world of addiction, politics, and control, encountering bizarre characters in a series of hallucinatory episodes. As the boundaries between reality and fiction blur, the novel explores themes of dehumanization and the search for freedom. Burroughs' unique style challenges readers to question societal norms and confront their own perceptions of truth. This provocative work remains a cornerstone of postmodern literature, inviting endless interpretations and reflections.

By William S. Burroughs

Published: 2013

"A book is a loaded gun. It can destroy lives, erase futures, and bring civilizations to their knees."

Naked LunchBook binding

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What Readers Say About This Book

Since its original publication in Paris in 1959, Naked Lunch has become one of the most important novels of the twentieth century. Exerting its influence on the relationship of art and obscenity, it is one of the books that redefined not just literature but American culture. For the Burroughs enthusiast and the neophyte, this volume—that contains final-draft typescripts, numerous unpublished contemporaneous writings by Burroughs, his own later introductions to the book, and his essay on psychoactive drugs—is a valuable and fresh experience of a novel that has lost none of its relevance or satirical bite.

About the Author

W

William S. Burroughs

William S. Burroughs (1914-1997) was an American novelist, essayist, and visual artist, widely regarded as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His most notable works include 'Naked Lunch,' 'Junky,' and 'The Ticket That Exploded,' which explore themes of addiction, control, and the human condition often through nonlinear narrative structures. Burroughs' writing style is characterized by its cut-up technique, fragmented prose, and raw, unfiltered approach to difficult subjects, reflecting his deep interest in the intersection of language and reality. Beyond literature, Burroughs was a key figure in the Beat Generation and had a profound impact on the countercultural movements of the 1960s and beyond.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
William S. Burroughs
Published
July 2013
Publisher
Grove Press
ISBN
0802122078
Language
English
Pages
289
Genres
Experimental FictionModern LiteratureLiterature

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A book is a loaded gun. It can destroy lives, erase futures, and bring civilizations to their knees.

Naked Lunch

By William S. Burroughs