William S. Burroughs vs. The Qur’an
William S. Burroughs vs. The Qur’an by Michael Muhammad Knight, published by Catapult on April 17, 2012, is an exploration of identity and spirituality through the lens of biography and literary experimentation. This original edition spans 288 pages and is written in English. The narrative follows Knight’s journey as he seeks to write a definitive biography of his mentor, Peter Lamborn Wilson, while grappling with his own disillusionment and the unexpected idolization he receives from American Muslim youths.
In this work, Knight navigates his complex relationship with Wilson and his own evolving beliefs, pledging himself to an Iranian Sufi order and attempting to craft a novel that blends queer and Islamic themes. He also employs the cut-up writing technique popularized by William S. Burroughs, applying it to the Qur’an in a unique literary experiment. This book presents a rich intersection of religion and art, showcasing Knight’s quest as a writer and spiritual seeker amidst the challenges of hero-worship and self-discovery.
Official synopsis Publisher
When Michael Muhammad Knight sets out to write the definitive biography of his “Anarcho-Sufi” hero and mentor, writer Peter Lamborn Wilson (aka Hakim Bey), he makes a startling discovery that changes everything. At the same time that he grows disillusioned with his idol, Knight finds that his own books have led to American Muslim youths making a countercultural idol of him, placing him on the same pedestal that he had given Wilson.
In an attempt to forge his own path, Knight pledges himself to an Iranian Sufi order that Wilson had almost joined, attempts to write the Great American Queer Islamo-Futurist Novel, and even creates his own mosque in the wilderness of West Virginia. He also employs the “cut-up” writing method of Bey’s friend, the late William S. Burroughs, to the Qur’an, subjecting Islam’s holiest scripture to literary experimentation.
William S. Burroughs vs. the Qur’an is the struggle of a hero-worshiper without heroes and the meeting of religious and artistic paths, the quest of a writer as spiritual seeker.
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