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The Magical Universe of William S Burroughs
“In the magical universe there are no coincidences and there are no accidents. Nothing happens unless someone wills it to happen. The dogma of science is that the will cannot possibly affect external forces, and I think that’s just ridiculous. It’s as bad as the church. My viewpoint is the exact contrary of the scientific viewpoint. I believe that if you run into somebody in the street it’s for a reason. Among primitive people they say that if someone was bitten by a snake he was murdered. I believe that.”
– William S. Burroughs
Fully revised and expanded from the limited edition chapbook that first appeared in 2012, The Magical Universe of William S. Burroughs is the first ever in-depth consideration of the significance of Magic and the Occult in the Life & Work of the writer and counter-cultural icon.
In Literary Outlaw: The Life and Times of William S. Burroughs, his biographer Ted Morgan wrote:
‘As the single most important thing about Graham Greene was his viewpoint as a lapsed Catholic, the single most important thing about Burroughs was his belief in the magical universe. The same impulse that lead him to put out curses was, as he saw it, the source of his writing…’
‘To Burroughs behind everyday reality there was the reality of the spirit world, of psychic visitations, of curses, of possession and phantom beings…’
From the Introduction to The Magical Universe of William S. Burroughs:
In talking about The Magical Universe of William S. Burroughs I am really thinking of two things:
Firstly, and probably most obvious, is the material that appears in the output of Burroughs the Writer that can be seen as describing or referring to some magical, mystical or occult idea – Invocations of Elder Gods of Abominations, descriptions of Sex-Magick rituals, references to amulets, charms, ghosts, omens and spells – all the thematic set-dressing that we all know and love, from Hammer Horror Movies to Weird Tales, from H. P. Lovecraft to Dennis Wheatley and The X-Files…
Secondly, there is the personal interest and involvement of Burroughs the Man with belief systems and practices that come from those strange ‘Other’ territories that lay outside the bounds of either conventional mainstream religion or scientific materialism – explorations of L. Ron Hubbard’s Scientology, Konstanin Raudive’s Electronic Voice Phenomena, Wilhelm Reich’s Orgone Accumulator; also partaking of the Vine-of-the-Soul with Amazonian shamans, attending the Rites of Pan in the Rif Mountains outside Morocco, participating in a Sweat-Lodge with Native American Indian medicine men – and, latterly, an engagement with that most Post-Modern of Occultisms, Chaos Magic.
The material considered has been distilled from archival sources, correspondence, interviews, and of course, published works. As well as his own personal contact with Burroughs and his lifelong study of the Man and his Work, the author also draws from a wide range of former associates – collaborators, friends, lovers, and students – including C. J. Bradbury Robinson, Michael Butterworth, David Conway, Phil Hine, Graham Masterton, Malcolm Mc Neill, and others.
As well as his own contact with the likes of Genesis P-Orridge, John Balance & Peter Christopherson of Coil, and writer Terry Wilson, back in 1980s London, he has also had unprecedented access to the papers of Cabell McLean, a young writer who was William’s companion, lover & student, c.1976-1983.
– William S. Burroughs
Fully revised and expanded from the limited edition chapbook that first appeared in 2012, The Magical Universe of William S. Burroughs is the first ever in-depth consideration of the significance of Magic and the Occult in the Life & Work of the writer and counter-cultural icon.
In Literary Outlaw: The Life and Times of William S. Burroughs, his biographer Ted Morgan wrote:
‘As the single most important thing about Graham Greene was his viewpoint as a lapsed Catholic, the single most important thing about Burroughs was his belief in the magical universe. The same impulse that lead him to put out curses was, as he saw it, the source of his writing…’
‘To Burroughs behind everyday reality there was the reality of the spirit world, of psychic visitations, of curses, of possession and phantom beings…’
From the Introduction to The Magical Universe of William S. Burroughs:
In talking about The Magical Universe of William S. Burroughs I am really thinking of two things:
Firstly, and probably most obvious, is the material that appears in the output of Burroughs the Writer that can be seen as describing or referring to some magical, mystical or occult idea – Invocations of Elder Gods of Abominations, descriptions of Sex-Magick rituals, references to amulets, charms, ghosts, omens and spells – all the thematic set-dressing that we all know and love, from Hammer Horror Movies to Weird Tales, from H. P. Lovecraft to Dennis Wheatley and The X-Files…
Secondly, there is the personal interest and involvement of Burroughs the Man with belief systems and practices that come from those strange ‘Other’ territories that lay outside the bounds of either conventional mainstream religion or scientific materialism – explorations of L. Ron Hubbard’s Scientology, Konstanin Raudive’s Electronic Voice Phenomena, Wilhelm Reich’s Orgone Accumulator; also partaking of the Vine-of-the-Soul with Amazonian shamans, attending the Rites of Pan in the Rif Mountains outside Morocco, participating in a Sweat-Lodge with Native American Indian medicine men – and, latterly, an engagement with that most Post-Modern of Occultisms, Chaos Magic.
The material considered has been distilled from archival sources, correspondence, interviews, and of course, published works. As well as his own personal contact with Burroughs and his lifelong study of the Man and his Work, the author also draws from a wide range of former associates – collaborators, friends, lovers, and students – including C. J. Bradbury Robinson, Michael Butterworth, David Conway, Phil Hine, Graham Masterton, Malcolm Mc Neill, and others.
As well as his own contact with the likes of Genesis P-Orridge, John Balance & Peter Christopherson of Coil, and writer Terry Wilson, back in 1980s London, he has also had unprecedented access to the papers of Cabell McLean, a young writer who was William’s companion, lover & student, c.1976-1983.
- GenresMagic
254 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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169 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 20, 2025
William S. Burroughs is ALIVE AND WELL.
But yesterday, closing my unexpurgated copy of Naked Lunch brusquely in disgust, I made the mistake of thinking he's still Alive but TERMINALLY SICK.
An Undead Magical Warlock.
I was tired of my own relentlessly bipolar antics. Burroughs, undead, had HEXED me. Even though overlaid with a truckload of meds, I felt queasy...
It all brought me back to the Gay San Fran summer of 1970. I had been wandering the rollicking side streets in bright daylight. Strange Oriental Music accosted my ears from a Frisco boutique.
The proprieter had been chanting from his den. Suddenly, he called out to me as I passed.
He was plainly scouting for boys!
***
On the surface I appear as a dull senior citizen in public, even to friends who have known me half my life.
My doc recently even ordered a brain scan for me, to prove my mind still works...
Or the opposite. Oh, well.
***
Well, my mind itself got FURIOUS with me for my sudden dislike of an epochal writer.
That night, from eleven PM to seven AM, it cascaded a gallery of Furiously Mad mental videos upon my snoring brain.
All because I bad-mouthed Burroughs?
Maybe Burroughs was a disguised warlock created to haunt the world's Woke Ids, now howling around the globe on political hate websites?
***
But, all doctors notwithstanding, it proved to me my Superego is alive and well.
Cuz, though I knew these nightmares were steamy, my brain kept blacking the hot stuff out.
I think my brain is doing quite well, thanks very much.
It even thinks Burrough's Magical Universe says it ALL about his novels -
And about his magically induced nightmare;
AND about the magically contrived world we live in.
But yesterday, closing my unexpurgated copy of Naked Lunch brusquely in disgust, I made the mistake of thinking he's still Alive but TERMINALLY SICK.
An Undead Magical Warlock.
I was tired of my own relentlessly bipolar antics. Burroughs, undead, had HEXED me. Even though overlaid with a truckload of meds, I felt queasy...
It all brought me back to the Gay San Fran summer of 1970. I had been wandering the rollicking side streets in bright daylight. Strange Oriental Music accosted my ears from a Frisco boutique.
The proprieter had been chanting from his den. Suddenly, he called out to me as I passed.
He was plainly scouting for boys!
***
On the surface I appear as a dull senior citizen in public, even to friends who have known me half my life.
My doc recently even ordered a brain scan for me, to prove my mind still works...
Or the opposite. Oh, well.
***
Well, my mind itself got FURIOUS with me for my sudden dislike of an epochal writer.
That night, from eleven PM to seven AM, it cascaded a gallery of Furiously Mad mental videos upon my snoring brain.
All because I bad-mouthed Burroughs?
Maybe Burroughs was a disguised warlock created to haunt the world's Woke Ids, now howling around the globe on political hate websites?
***
But, all doctors notwithstanding, it proved to me my Superego is alive and well.
Cuz, though I knew these nightmares were steamy, my brain kept blacking the hot stuff out.
I think my brain is doing quite well, thanks very much.
It even thinks Burrough's Magical Universe says it ALL about his novels -
And about his magically induced nightmare;
AND about the magically contrived world we live in.
August 11, 2023
По сути это тематический реферат на заданную тему, но тем лучше - можно более специальные книжки не читать, например, о Барроузе и сайентологии. Очерк о магических воззрениях и практиках УСБ и его духовном шоппинге, к которым, собственно, сводится почти все его письмо. (Это автор, видимо, не в курсе насчет работы переводчика, тем паче - переводчика Барроуза. Для него каждая рабочая минута - так или иначе волшебство.) Ну а на магическом мышлении УСБ зиждется, в общем, весь его художественный метод, нарезки и складки включая. И отдельный бонус - попытка анализа того, как и какие именно магические эксперименты Барроуз проводит над читателем. Заметила это Энжела Картер, за что ей вечный кудос. И самое, конечно, главное - это переизобретение языка как способ избавиться от контроля мыслей. (Поэтому, кстати, так отвратителен совецкий язык, на котором говорит бОльшая часть русскоязычного населения, - мы уже второй год видим, к чему это приводит.)
Минус же в том, что под одну гребенку автор валит и иные практики, например, буддийские методы работы с умом и сознанием (контаминация метафор намеренна), а тут-то магии как таковой и нет: результаты могут быть похожи лишь на очень нетренированный взгляд. А все - из-за этого уже вусмерть заебавшего западного дуализма (неужели кто-то еще всерьез относится к двойственности?).
Глупости:
- Патти Смит, считающая, что словосочетание, которое русские обычно переводят как "бегущий по лезвию бритвы", придумал Барроуз. На самом деле это обозначение натурально "контрабандиста лезвиями" (скальпелями преимущественно) к УСБ не имеет отношения. Но потрясающих знаний от Патти Смит все равно никто не ждал, да и дело это давнее.
- Автор порой заговаривается, например: "Он написал... хорошо написанную книгу."
Постскрипт: трактат "Электронная революция" и германский фильм "Декодер".
Минус же в том, что под одну гребенку автор валит и иные практики, например, буддийские методы работы с умом и сознанием (контаминация метафор намеренна), а тут-то магии как таковой и нет: результаты могут быть похожи лишь на очень нетренированный взгляд. А все - из-за этого уже вусмерть заебавшего западного дуализма (неужели кто-то еще всерьез относится к двойственности?).
Глупости:
- Патти Смит, считающая, что словосочетание, которое русские обычно переводят как "бегущий по лезвию бритвы", придумал Барроуз. На самом деле это обозначение натурально "контрабандиста лезвиями" (скальпелями преимущественно) к УСБ не имеет отношения. Но потрясающих знаний от Патти Смит все равно никто не ждал, да и дело это давнее.
- Автор порой заговаривается, например: "Он написал... хорошо написанную книгу."
Постскрипт: трактат "Электронная революция" и германский фильм "Декодер".
December 12, 2014
Well researched...readable and interesting.
August 15, 2021
It is a surprise that it took until two years ago for the world to finally see a work relating Burroughs life and work with the occult but it is here and it is sure to please the numerous eager Burroughs fans that, if like this reader, they find this stuff fascinating. I just want to clear one thing up from the start: this book is not an academic reading of Burroughs in the sense that his works are not explored as fully as is possible but rather his work and his wild life are examined together and by doing so, Matthew Levi Stevens has managed to encompass a lot into one book with meticulous research prowess. Events in Burroughs life are shown with a good helping of commentary from other writers, beat figures, and artists influenced by Bill as well as being informed by the occult history and factoids related to such topics as astral projection, drug use, curses, telepathy, scientology, science, pseudo-science, Satanism, Buddhism, and, of course, Burrough's own cut-ups (even if this part of his work and life is emphasized more than other aspects that are as equally worth the reader's time). The book is funny and enlightening, going a long way, along with the recent release of the Burroughs: the Movie, in showing Williams s Burroughs as an engaging and flawed character with a tragic and radical life. In this collection the character that emerges is that of a shy, introverted, dope addict who knows the horrors of life and distracts himself not just with junk but also a serious interest in magick and an unwillingness to simply accept scientific dogma. He's one of the best writers America ever produced and this biography regarding his relationship with magick is a must read and own for any Burroughs fan or even those who have just recently found themselves under his spell. A terrific page turner from start to finish, "The Magical Universe of William s Burroughs" is a weird trip well worth taking.
November 4, 2016
An amazing book. Clearly written and perfect for a reader with only basic knowledge of magical practices with plenty of references for further reading on that subject. Provides a fresh insight into the work and psychology of William S Burroughs and aids reading of his work in this light. It also looks at the Beat Generation and those who followed in its footsteps, like early Industrial bands such as Throbbing Gristle. Highly recommended to anyone with even a passing interest in the subjects.
October 22, 2021
superb
A study of the magical world view of William Burroughs and its expression in his writing. On one level weird crazy shit. On another a yearning and craving for the ineffable. A look at his deep cultural influences. His surprising connections with and affect on so many writers, artists and musicians. Not to mention would be magicians and occultists. He didn’t think so much of science though. For him Part of the dark ugly spirit from which he sought escape his entire life. The spirit of acquisition and control. Hmmm. Don’t agree with that one. But he does make some good points.
A study of the magical world view of William Burroughs and its expression in his writing. On one level weird crazy shit. On another a yearning and craving for the ineffable. A look at his deep cultural influences. His surprising connections with and affect on so many writers, artists and musicians. Not to mention would be magicians and occultists. He didn’t think so much of science though. For him Part of the dark ugly spirit from which he sought escape his entire life. The spirit of acquisition and control. Hmmm. Don’t agree with that one. But he does make some good points.
December 19, 2023
If for no other reason than this is a singular experience, I gave it five stars. To say that Burroughs' approach to magic was unconventional would be an understatement... however, he needs to be acknowledged as a grandfather of the chaos style. It's all over his texts, and as this books abundantly clear, his actual practice as well.
The bibliography alone is enough to provide one with a solid path for self-initiation.
The bibliography alone is enough to provide one with a solid path for self-initiation.
May 12, 2016
This is a fascinating biography that explores the occult interests of William S. Burroughs. I always knew Burroughs was into magic and learned a lot from what he shares in his books, but this was fascinating to read because it speaks to his experiences and interests in magic and where those interests started as well as what he explored. Whether you're an occultist or a die hard Burroughs fan, this is a must read book.
January 13, 2015
Matthew Levi Stevens book is well researched and a good look into this overlooked area of William Burroughs life.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews