A Burroughs Compendium: Calling the Toads [Paperback]

Allen Ginsberg (Author), Lee Ranaldo (Author), Ron Whitehead (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 7, 1999

The ultimate compendium of previously unpublished interviews, memories and messages on William Burroughs by some of the people that knew him best. most of these pieces relate to his later years up to his death in 1997.

This is a compelling, inspiring read that provides an insight into numerous aspects of Burroughs' exploits and thoughts in later life. The book also includes some rare photographs of Burroughs by Allen Ginsberg, Beat photographer extraordinaire Chris Felver, Lee Ranaldo, John Blumb and Mellon Tytell amongst others.

This book is a treasure not to be missed and represents an outstanding addition to the deep reservoir of works on one of the most influential writers and thinkers of the 20th Century

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Fringecore (July 7, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965982602
• ISBN-13: 978-0965982603
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,095,127 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Non-Essential Collection of Miscellany, February 19, 2010

By 

WaxNostalgic (Nom De Plume) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Burroughs Compendium: Calling the Toads (Paperback)

This book *seems* to have the right ingredients: Contributions from Beat scholar John Tytell, historian Douglas Brinkley, and underground luminaries like Neil Hennesey and Lee Renaldo. The fans that this book is targeted to, however, will most likely find it a thin, disappointing collection of dross.

The 'previously unpublished interviews' reveal little that hasn't been published elsewhere, apart from the fact that Burroughs was either exceedingly patient or bored stiff with the people who insisted on asking him the same questions he'd been asked over and over again for the past 40 years.

Published shortly after Burroughs' death, this is a non-essential collection of miscellany that has the unfortunate feel of a quickly assembled cash-in.

3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoy, February 17, 2003

By 

M.D.Pollock (Reykjavik , Iceland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Burroughs Compendium: Calling the Toads (Paperback)

A must have for Burroughs fans. Burroughs & Sonic Youth fans alike will enjoy Lee Renaldos interview with Burroughs & Great photos from a visit with Bill at Home in Lawrence , Kansas. Put on the Dead City Radio Cd by William S. Burroughs as you flip thru the pages of this toad calling compendium and as you hit the last page replay Bills Thanksgiving Prayer.