The Adding Machine: Collected Essays

The Adding Machine

First edition
Author William S. Burroughs
Country United States
Language English
Publisher John Calder
Publication date
1985
Media type Print
Pages 216 pages
ISBN 0714540730

The Adding Machine is a collection of essays written by Beat Generation writer William S. Burroughs.[1][2] This collection was first published in the United Kingdom in 1985, followed by an American edition in 1986. The subtitle for this book differs between editions: the first edition was published in the UK with the subtitle Collected Essays while the American version is subtitled Selected Essays.

The subject matter of the essays featured in this book vary widely; the pieces were written over a period of three decades. Topics include discussions about colleagues such as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, as well as essays on other writers who influenced Burroughs such as Ernest Hemingway, Joseph Conrad and Samuel Beckett. Also included are some semi-autobiographical pieces.

The book lacks a sources or acknowledgements page to indicate where any of these essays were originally published.

The title of the book refers to the adding machine invented by the author's grandfather, William Seward Burroughs I.

References

  1. Herman, Jan (17 August 1986). "William Burroughs, an inspired thief". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 1 May 2010.
  2. SCHMITZ, ANTHONY. "Featured Author: William S. Burroughs". New York Times. 17 August 1986. Retrieved 1 May 2010.