William S. Burroughs Jr.

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William S. Burroughs Jr. (July 21, 1947 – March 3, 1981) was an American novelist and the son of Beat Generation writer William S. Burroughs and Joan Vollmer. He is best known for his novels Speed and Kentucky Ham.

Early Life

William S. Burroughs Jr. was born in Conroe, Texas. His mother, Joan Vollmer, was a prominent member of the Beat Generation and his father, William S. Burroughs, was a well-known writer. His early life was marked by tragedy when his mother died in 1951 after being accidentally shot by his father during a drunken game of "William Tell" in Mexico City.

Career

Burroughs Jr. began his writing career in the late 1960s. His first novel, Speed, was published in 1970. The book is a semi-autobiographical account of his experiences with drug addiction and his time spent in juvenile detention. His second novel, Kentucky Ham, was published in 1973 and continues the story of his struggles with addiction and his attempts to find stability.

Personal Life

Burroughs Jr. struggled with drug addiction for much of his life, a battle that was reflected in his writing. He was married twice and had one son. His health deteriorated in the late 1970s, and he underwent a liver transplant in 1976. Despite the transplant, his health continued to decline, and he died in 1981 at the age of 33.

Legacy

Although his literary output was limited, Burroughs Jr.'s work has been praised for its raw and honest portrayal of addiction and its impact on his life. His novels remain important works within the Beat Generation literary canon.

Bibliography

• Speed (1970)
• Kentucky Ham (1973)

See Also

• William S. Burroughs
• Joan Vollmer
• Beat Generation
• Drug addiction in literature