Word Cultures: Radical Theory and Practice in William S. Burroughs' Fiction

by Robin Lydenberg

In this pioneering study, Robin Lydenberg focuses upon the stylistic accomplishments of this controversial and experimental writer. In doing so, she skillfully demonstrates that the ideas we now recognize as characteristic of post-structuralism and deconstruction were being developed independently by Burroughs long ago.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1987

Reviews

[Meike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is really great: An in-depth study of Burroughs' use of language to illustrate the algebra of need (i.e. the collapse of individual will and identity), the effects of the junk virus, metonymic dismemberment and language as parasite. As it refers to lots of (mainly French) theory, it's not an easy read, but it's very insightful and intelligent.

[Kamakana · Rating 5 out of 5]

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090615: tangential review: i have read many works by William S Burroughs, but actually i enjoyed this more than most of what he has written. in this, there is for me the familiarity of judgement from a book on Chinese Theories of Fiction: A Non-Western Narrative System, which i liked more than the classics compared (have read none), or the ancillary lit on The Tale of Genji (which makes me think of soap operas), or the plays but not the novels of Samuel Beckett, or the endless excitement over Finnegans Wake...

090615: first review: i first read ws burroughs in my twenties at u, when it simply confused me, work i could admire but not love. i read him again, his cut-up trilogy, in my thirties. i was strangely more positive then. having read much about his life, his theories, his techniques, his writing- now i feel i might even read him again. this work has been the clearest, most intriguing, most encouraging, lit crit i have read on him. there are problems, still. but this has been fun. again, my definition of 'fun' may not garner many readers...

[Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the finer books on post-war fiction. Lydenberg really knows what she's talking about - and offers a lot of illumination on the important of the Burroughs' 1970's cut-up novels. Highly recommended to anyone interested in Burroughs' work, or post-structural fiction.

[Steven Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astonishingly compelling academic analysis of Burroughs' cut-up work. Always feels on point and thoroughly relevant. Burroughs' creative process is treated as concept for his world view. Fascinating!