Oliver Harris, born in north London, is a distinguished British author and academic known for his expertise on William S. Burroughs and his contributions to American Literature as a Professor at Keele University. Harris possesses a first-class degree in English Literature from UCL, an MA in Shakespeare Studies, and an MA in creative writing from UEA. His academic pursuits include a PhD on antiquity in the work of Jacques Lacan from Birkbeck's London Consortium.

Harris's literary work is not limited to academia; he is also the author of gripping novels featuring London detective Nick Belsey, including The Hollow Man and Deep Shelter, and MI6 officer Elliot Kane in A Shadow Intelligence and Ascension. His foray into creative literature is published by Jonathan Cape/Vintage and available as ebooks as well.

As an editor, Harris has brought critical acclaim to works of Burroughs through numerous editions, with titles such as Junky: the definitive text of Junk, Queer, and The Cut-Up Trilogy. He has also penned essays and a hybrid of criticism and memoir, emphasizing his love for travelling, particularly in colder regions. In the academic sphere, he has presented papers on topics ranging from obscenity to conspiracy theories and is an active reviewer for the Times Literary Supplement.

Currently, Harris imparts his knowledge of creative writing at Manchester Metropolitan University and remains an influential figure in the exploration of literature and psychoanalysis.