Little Wilson and Uncle Sam

Abstract: Anthony Burgess and America is a major new contribution to the study of writer, composer, and essayist Anthony Burgess. Through extensive archival research and interviews, Thurley presents a critical analysis of the influence of America on Burgess’s work, Burgess’s life in America, and his relationship with American writers and writing. Thurley focuses closely on three novels — M/F (1971), The Clockwork Testament (1974) and Enderby’s Dark Lady (1984)—with supplementary readings of two more— Earthly Powers (1980) and The End of the World News (1982)—to unpack Burgess’s attitudes about America. He focuses particularly on issues of obscenity, student protest, experimental literature, materialism, and American exceptionalism.