William S. Burroughs

Date of Birth: February 5, 1914

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: August 2, 1997

Biography

William Seward Burroughs II was an American writer and visual artist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures of the Beat Generation and a major postmodernist author. Born into a wealthy family in St. Louis, Missouri, Burroughs attended Harvard University and later studied medicine in Europe. His life took a dramatic turn when he became deeply involved in the countercultural movements of the mid-20th century. Burroughs’ most famous work, “Naked Lunch,” was published in 1959 and became a landmark in 20th-century literature, known for its controversial content and innovative narrative style. Burroughs’ work often dealt with themes of addiction, control, and societal corruption, drawing heavily from his own life experiences, including his struggles with drug addiction. Throughout his career, Burroughs experimented with various forms of writing and multimedia projects, including cut-up techniques and collaborations with other artists and musicians. He lived in various parts of the world, including Mexico City, Tangier, and Paris, before finally settling in Lawrence, Kansas, where he continued to write and create art until his death.

5 Interesting Facts about William S. Burroughs

1. William S. Burroughs was a descendant of the inventor of the Burroughs adding machine, William Seward Burroughs I.

2. He was a close friend and collaborator of other Beat Generation icons, including Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac.

3. Burroughs accidentally killed his second wife, Joan Vollmer, in a shooting incident in 1951, an event that haunted him for the rest of his life.

4. He experimented with cut-up techniques in his writing, a method he pioneered with artist Brion Gysin.

5. Burroughs was inducted into the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters in 1983.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from William S. Burroughs

1. “Language is a virus from outer space.”

2. “The aim of education is the knowledge, not of facts, but of values.”

3. “After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say ‘I want to see the manager.’”

4. “Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.”

5. “Hustlers of the world, there is one mark you cannot beat: the mark inside.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, William S. Burroughs’ net worth was estimated to be around $5 million, primarily from his book sales, art, and various multimedia projects.

Children

William S. Burroughs had one son, William S. Burroughs, Jr., born in 1947. Like his father, William Jr. struggled with drug addiction and led a tumultuous life. He authored two novels before his untimely death in 1981 at the age of 33.