Burroughs, William S.

Exterminator!

ISBN: 01400.50035
New York, NY: Penguin Books, 1979 (1973). First Softcover Edition Thus. Softcover. "A distant cry echoes down cobblestone streets through all the grey basements up the outside stairs to a windy blue sky. "Exterminator!" "(pg. 8) In the pioneering study of WSB's work, "William Burroughs: The Algebra of need (expanded edition, 1977)," Eric Mottram writes: "Exterminator! is a call for help, a cry of surprise, a shout of recognition, and a demand for the agent and his god to be exposed. Its formal virtuosity is placed strictly at the disposal of a definition of history and necessity, and an enquiry into the virulence of our addictions to conflict and the potentiality of our dreams of revolt." (pgs. 222-223) A compilation of "routines" into book form, it is written in the relatively clearer post cut-up style WSB employed from "The Wild Boys" onward. Exterminator! was first published in hardcover by The Viking Press in 1973, followed by various softcover editions of which this is the first issued by Penguin Books in 1979, certainly a first printing thus, though not stated as such on copyright page. An excellent collectible reading copy of this WSB classic. In fine condition with only moderate browning-sunning & light rubbing to front, back covers & spine esp. at & near all edges & corners; very light wear at edges of same; short, faint creases & bumps at corners of same esp. top right corner of front cover. Interior very fine except for small bumps at corners of some page leaves; browning of same esp. at & near blank margins. Fine. [Item #2784]

Price: $20.00