William Burroughs - Bio, Age, Chinese Zodiac Sign & Timeline
| Born | February 05, 1914 |
|---|---|
| Died | August 02, 1997 (age 83) |
| Birthplace | St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius - (see also William Burroughs's horoscope and birth chart) |
| Chinese Zodiac | Tiger |
| Generation | Greatest Generation |
| Known For | Author of 'Naked Lunch', major Beat Generation writer, influence on postmodern literature and pop culture |
Intro
William S. Burroughs was an influential American writer and visual artist, widely recognized as a major figure of the Beat Generation. He is best known for his subversive novels that explore themes of addiction, sexuality, and social control, particularly his seminal work 'Naked Lunch'. Burroughs' style and subject matter have had a significant impact on literature, pop culture, and the counterculture movements of the 20th century.
Early Life & Background
Burroughs was born into a wealthy family in St. Louis, Missouri. His family was prominent in the business community due to the Burroughs Adding Machine Company. He attended private schools and later studied at Harvard University, graduating in 1936. After college, he traveled widely and struggled with addiction, experiences that would heavily inform his later works.
Career Highlights
- Published 'Naked Lunch' in 1959, which was the subject of an obscenity trial but became one of the most celebrated works of the Beat Generation
- Wrote several other influential novels, including 'Junky,' 'Queer,' and 'The Soft Machine'
- His innovative use of the 'cut-up' technique influenced generations of writers and artists
- Was closely associated with other iconic Beat figures such as Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac
Trivia
- Burroughs accidentally killed his common-law wife, Joan Vollmer, in 1951 in Mexico City during a drunken game of 'William Tell'.
- He was inducted into the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters in 1983.
- Burroughs' works have been adapted into films, and he collaborated with musicians such as Patti Smith and Kurt Cobain.
FAQs
People also ask
William Burroughs was born the 5 February 1914.
St. Louis, Missouri, United States.
On His Birth-Day
About February 5th, 1914, in brief:
- Day of the week: February 5th, 1914 was a Thursday
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius (in western zodiac), Tiger (in Chinese zodiac)
- Moon Phase:
- #1 US song: Oh You Million Dollar Doll by Peerless Quartet
- Popular movie: directed by D.W. Griffith
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