new Burroughs book edited by EC member John M. Bennett

9/11/2018

Yesterday I received my copy of "The Revised Boy Scout Manual" by William S. Burroughs, newly-published by The Ohio State University Press. I pre-ordered it several months ago when I first learned about the book from fellow Electronic Cottage Community member John M. Bennett. John edited the book with Geoffrey D. Smith and wrote one of the forewords of the book. I do not want to say too much about the book yet, because I do not want to spoil the experience for any of you who might be interested in the book. I also need time to read, savor, and absorb the book. I will say, however, that the main source text of this now authoritative version of "The Revised Boy Scout Manual" was a performance of the text recorded onto cassette tapes by Burroughs. Also, John Bennett's foreword offers a plan or scheme for understanding the themes of the book, which could well be applied to any or at least many works by WSB.

Acquire it here

17 Comments

Electronic Cottage
Editor
Hal McGee

I have been making my own homemade experimental music since 1981.

I was an active participant in the 1980s Cassette Culture scene, and I operated the Cause And Effect Cassette Distribution Service and label, and recorded solo as Dog As Master, and in a duo as Viscera.

From 1989 to 1991 I published six issues of the original Electronic Cottage print magazine.

In the last 40 years I have recorded, produced and released more than 300 solo audio works, collaborations and compilations.

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John . Bennett link

9/11/2018 08:42:54

Thanks, Hal! The book took us at least 10 years to put together and edit, fascinating project. I'm glad they're now shipping it. At Last! The book is incredibly timely, eerily so...

Ditlev Buster link

9/13/2018 17:46:23

Thats really cool, John! Burroughs is one of my favorite authors, i’ll have to order this !

Rafael González

9/11/2018 12:43:44

Enjoy the book Hal! Thanks for your review. Good work John, congratulations! I could enjoy it too, but my terrible English does not allow me

C. Goff III link

9/11/2018 16:46:07

Having lived in Lawrence for 12 years, I've had my share of personal history with the subject of this book. Now how exactly does one get a copy?

Hal

9/11/2018 16:55:18

Here it is: https://ohiostatepress.org/books/titles/9780814254899.html

CIII

9/14/2018 12:20:35

Just ordered, nice discount and free shipping even! Thanks for the address, Hal!

and Best wishes to Mr. Bennett for his work on this too...

I had a nice interaction with Barry Miles when he came through town with his GIANT Burroughs bio a few years back.

Mr. WSB's post office box was right below mine in Lawrence. I used to get his mail every once in a while, which hopefully was eventually received by Mr. Grauerholz. His box was often stuffed full.

The Nova Convention #2 was quite the event... so many "personalities" in little Lawrence, Kansas...

Seen some great exhibits at the Spencer of both WSB and Bryon Gysin.

Here's a letter to the editor of the local Lawrence newspaper that I wrote years ago about the naming of a local creek after Mr. Burroughs:

http://www.lawrence.com/news/2003/dec/20/letter_to/

Like us, WSB bought his cat food at the local Price Chopper.

C. Goff III

9/14/2018 12:22:32

whoops, not Price Chopper then. It was Dillons!

Leslie Singer

9/11/2018 17:43:14

Hal,

Thanks for posting your review and the link to where to purchase this book. I'm can't wait to order one right away!

Hal McGee

9/12/2018 23:31:40

You are going to like it. It is a tasty read, and quite prescient!

Jeremiah Paddock

9/12/2018 16:50:38

This looks awesome! I can't wait to get a copy.

9/12/2018 23:32:35

Jeremiah, you are going to like it. It is amazing how many of the things that Burroughs talks about are happening now.

Jack Hertz link

9/13/2018 12:17:35

Whut, wow!

Neal Retke

9/13/2018 19:42:33

WOW ! I was just watching a video with V. Vale in it as well - Kudos

Harold Schellinx link

9/16/2018 04:02:36

Thanks Hal for the pointer, thanks John for the great work! Very much look forward to reading this! I've just ordered the book, it'll get here (Paris) in about a week or so. :-)

Jeff Central

9/19/2018 11:33:28

Ordered my copy today!! Congratulations John!!!

Jeno Eugène DETVAY link

9/21/2018 11:26:51

Thank you for the notification.

9/28/2018 00:21:33

I have just begun my reading assignment, and I'm guessing already that if I become an Eagle Scout per this manual, I will adding my name to several lists of persons who command attention ...