Rub Out the Words compiles William S. Burroughs' correspondence from 1959 to 1974, edited by Bill Morgan. These letters document a crucial period in Burroughs' career, from the era of Naked Lunch to the development of his innovative cut-up technique, illustrating his evolving influence on literature, art, and wider culture.
Through these pages, Burroughs details his literary experiments, travels across Europe and North Africa, and interactions with fellow Beat writers such as Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac. He also explores his developing views on politics, drugs, sexuality, and control, offering a direct view into the mind of a significant 20th-century writer.
Why You Should Read?
- Gain direct insight into William S. Burroughs' creative process and personal philosophy.
- Trace the evolution of his literary work, including the invention of the cut-up technique.
- Understand his relationships with key Beat Generation figures and countercultural artists.
- Explore a primary source documenting avant-garde literature and 20th-century cultural shifts.