Against Control is a collection of essays by author Jack Sargeant that explore the multiple influences of William S. Burroughs and various aspects of the wider Burroughs Universe. This collection highlights Burroughs' speculative ideas —from his theories regarding the use of sound to his imagined histories and mythologies. Burroughs' work incorporates a wide range of influences —the philosophies of libertarian pirates; Brion Gysin and Ian Sommerville's Dreamachine; the space program; science fiction literature; the Master Musicians of Joujouka, and all points in between. Sargeant's essays pivot on Burroughs' conceptual works in order to offer strategies for new ideas and points of research.
Author Jack Sargeant’s work has been described as "dangerously inspirational." His numerous books include Deathtripping: The Extreme Underground, Naked Lens: Beat Cinema, and others. He has written on film and culture for numerous books, anthologies and journals, and has written introductions for books by Lydia Lunch, Romain Slocombe, Joe Coleman, Cat Hope and for William Burroughs’ Unforgettable Characters. He writes a regular column for FilmInk, and has written articles for The Wire, Xochi 23, Fortean Times, World Art, Real Time, Metro and many other publications.
