Artists & Writers · Modern
William S. Burroughs’s Last Words
“Love? What is it? Most natural painkiller what there is.”— William S. Burroughs, August 2, 1997
Who Was William S. Burroughs?
William S. Burroughs was an American writer and a primary figure of the Beat Generation. His novel Naked Lunch caused an obscenity trial that transformed American publishing.
The Final Moments
These were the final words Burroughs wrote in his journal on the day he died. He died of a heart attack at his home in Lawrence, Kansas.
Are These Words Verified?
These were Burroughs's final journal entry on the day he died, published posthumously in 'Last Words.' This is a firsthand written document, though not spoken last words.
Sources
- firsthand Burroughs, William S. Last Words: The Final Journals
- biography Miles, Barry. Call Me Burroughs: A Life
Legacy
Naked Lunch's cut-up technique and transgressive content changed literature. Burroughs influenced punk rock and underground culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were William S. Burroughs’s last words?
“Love? What is it? Most natural painkiller what there is.”
How did William S. Burroughs die?
William S. Burroughs died on August 2, 1997 at the age of 83. Cause of death: Heart attack.
Were William S. Burroughs’s last words documented?
These were Burroughs's final journal entry on the day he died, published posthumously in 'Last Words.' This is a firsthand written document, though not spoken last words.
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