One of the Most Sought After Early Pulp Paperbacks "Junkie" by William S. Burroughs 1953 First edition

Burroughs, William

About this Item

William Burroughs writing under the pen name "William Lee." Junkie. New York: Ace Double Books 1953. First edition. Two volumes in one, with Narcotic Agent by Maurice Helbrant. Total page count is 319, Junkie alone is 150 p. Highly sought-after first edition of the bestselling tell-all book by leader of the Beat generation, William S. Burroughs. Cover art depicts a blonde woman held in a headlock by the titular addict; drug paraphernalia are spread out on the table beside them. Beat poet Allen Ginsburg encouraged Burroughs to write Junkie, and used his connections with Ace Books to help find his friend a publisher. Junkie is heavily influenced by Burroughs' own experiences as a heroin user and dealer in New York; he added an anti-drug spin at the publisher's request. As usual, consistent toning throughout due to the pulp paper. Some staining to edges and a crease in spin, some stress marks to cover. Otherwise in good condition. One of the scarcest and most sought after pulp paperbacks.

Seller Inventory # 19065

Bibliographic Details

• Title: One of the Most Sought After Early Pulp Paperbacks "Junkie" by William S. Burroughs 1953 First edition
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Seller catalogs:
  • Literature
  • First Editions, Signed or Rare Books
  • Pulp