The first installment in William S. Burroughs' "Cut-Up Trilogy," followed by Nova Express and The Ticket That Exploded.

This experimental science fiction novel, composed of 17 interwoven pieces, explores themes of linguistic invasion by a viral force, homosexuality, drug addiction, and violence. Its unique style and provocative content transport readers into an uncharted realm.

Burroughs pioneered the "cut-up" technique, physically slicing and rearranging text to create new contexts and meanings.

For Burroughs, cut-up was not just a literary technique but also a means of exposing how language governs human thought.

This approach has influenced not only literature but also music and visual arts. Notably, musicians such as David Bowie and Thom Yorke have employed cut-up methods in their lyrics and songwriting.

This edition is edited and introduced by Oliver Harris, a leading Burroughs scholar, who provides the first in-depth analysis of how The Soft Machine was written and revised.

His insights reveal that Burroughs' process was far from random, demonstrating the novel's lasting innovation and significance for new generations.

William S. Burroughs (February 5, 1914 – August 2, 1997)

An American writer and a key figure in the Beat Generation literary movement. Known for his provocative exploration of drug culture and sexual taboos, his unique style has left a lasting impact on subsequent generations.

【Author】William S. Burroughs

【Release Date】April 22, 2014

【Publisher】Penguin Classics

【Format】Paperback

【Pages】336

【Language】English

【ISBN】978-0141189789