Unboxing Anthony Burgess

Anthony Burgess wrote the notorious novel A Clockwork Orange and many more books besides. At this special gathering at his literary archive in Manchester, explore the life and works of this larger-than-life and hugely prolific author, composer, journalist and playwright.

Burgess grew up above a pub in Manchester, studied English Literature at the University of Manchester, then travelled the world as a teacher before publishing his first novel at the age of 39. He was shortlisted for the Booker prize in 1980 and made regular appearances on television talk shows.

The collections at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation in Manchester city centre tells the story of a writer who never stopped working, despite illness and controversy. As he writes in his autobiography Little Wilson and Big God, ‘Wedged as we are between two eternities of idleness, there is no excuse for being idle now.’

The Foundation holds manuscripts, photographs, typewriters, vinyl records, notebooks, booze, pianos, a bust of his own head, and a seemingly endless collection of literary and artistic paraphernalia. Come and be surprised at this event, which is being held specially for the cultural week.