William Seward Burroughs II, known for his profound impact on the Beat Generation and as a significant figure in postmodern literature, left an indelible mark on popular culture and literature. Burroughs, an American writer and visual artist, authored eighteen novels and novellas, six collections of short stories, four collections of essays, and five books of interviews and correspondences. Initially adopting the pen name William Lee, his creative endeavors extended beyond writing to include collaborations with performers and musicians, numerous film appearances, and the creation and exhibition of thousands of visual artworks, notably his "Shotgun Art."

Born into affluence in St. Louis, Missouri, Burroughs' lineage includes his grandfather, the inventor and founder of the Burroughs Corporation, and his uncle, a prominent public relations manager. His academic journey took him from Harvard University, where he studied English and anthropology, to medical school in Vienna. World War II saw his enlistment in the U.S. Army, a period that also initiated his lifelong heroin addiction. In New York City, his friendships with Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac laid the foundation of the Beat Generation, influencing the 1960s counterculture.

His literary career is marked by his debut novel, Junkie (1953), and his most renowned work, Naked Lunch (1959), which encountered significant legal challenges over obscenity in the United States. Burroughs' life was fraught with controversy, notably the accidental killing of his second wife, Joan Vollmer, in a tragic incident in Mexico City. His literary style, known for its experimental nature and use of unreliable narrators, draws heavily from his experiences as a heroin addict and his travels across various global locales.

With Brion Gysin, he was instrumental in popularizing the cut-up technique, a hallmark of his Nova Trilogy. Burroughs' oeuvre is replete with mystical, occult, and magical themes, reflecting his lifelong fascination with these elements. His work, characterized by dark humor and sardonicism, has been lauded by figures like Jack Kerouac, J. G. Ballard, and Norman Mailer, highlighting his significance as a satirical writer and a visionary in American literature.