Archivists who write about their subjects have my deepest respect— what a tragedy— Joan Vollmer needs to be remembered for more than her death. Lessons from the past are so important— desire & drugs is a deadly combination. Her life sounded interesting— hope to hear more from Katie or others. I passed by a few Beats today at the bookstore— did not take any home. Thanks for sharing this story.
On the Disappearing of Joan Vollmer Burroughs. "After William Burroughs killed his wife Joan Vollmer, he threw away all her possessions."
https://lithub.com/on-the-disappearing-of-joan-vollmer-burroughs/
#writing #beats
Discussion
Burrough's legend has been covered with too much gold paint.
Yes — like many others. Truth is important—a cookie cutter devotion and/or perspective to larger than life personalities is not healthy.
I’ll make an honest confession: I’ve never read much of Burroughs— if any.
Joan’s life sounded so interesting— she was definitely more than a muse & did not deserve to be murdered.
I can say I have tried to read his stuff. A couple novels all the way through. Not sure I really got much from the text directly. I got more from his commentators and people inspired by him.
He is referenced a lot! Jack Spicer & Jack Gilbert are my favorite Beat related poets— although they aren’t necessarily classified as “Beats” — not Gilbert anyway who was from my hometown.