William Burroughs Audio

Allen Ginsberg class with William Burroughs. Ginsberg begins by reading from Burroughs's work, including his book Nova Express.

A fascinating piece of American literary history, and a remarkable window into the personal lives of two hugely influential writers at the very beginning of their careers.

"First thought, best thought”—that was the phrase that poet Allen Ginsberg used to describe spontaneous and fearless writing—a way of “telling the truth” that arises from naked and authentic experience.

Naked Lunch is one of the most important novels of the twentieth century. Exerting its influence on authors like Thomas Pynchon, J. G. Ballard, and William Gibson; on the relationship between art and obscenity; and on the shape of music, film, and media generally, it is one of the books that redefined not just literature, but American culture.

An interview with William S. Burroughs for Loka magazine with additional commentary by Allen Ginsberg and Anne Waldman.

First half of a William S. Burroughs lecture on Joseph Conrad's Lord Jim and Heart of Darkness, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby and A Short Trip Home, and Stephen King's The Shining.

First half of a class by William S. Burroughs on the technology and the ethics of wishing.

First half of a class with William S. Burroughs discussing various sources for writing, including dreams, voices (external and internal), and cut-up, giving examples from his own work.

A lecture by William S. Burroughs on public discourse, with an introduction by Allen Ginsberg.

First half of a workshop with William S. Burroughs comparing his works to those of Jack Kerouac, discussing their writing techniques.