Word Virus: The William Burroughs Reader

William Burroughs was one of post-war America’s most controversial and influential writers. This is the authoritative, indispensable anthology of his greatest work.

Beginning early in William Burroughs’ career with ‘Junky’, ‘Queer’ and a novel co-authored with Jack Kerouac, ‘Word Virus’ follows his trajectory through the major novels – including ‘Naked Lunch’ – to his final book, ‘My Education’, a series of meditations on his own extraordinary dream life.

Biographical prefaces to each chapter, and an introductory essay by Beat historian Ann Douglas, provide invaluable context to this collection of the very best of William Burroughs, a unique and visionary writer.