FASHION Magazine

AUGUSTEN BURROUGHS

The best-selling author’s latest, A Wolf at the Table (St. Martin’s Press), outlines his complex, often troubled relationship with his father. Here he reports on his favourite books, both real and ideal.

One title you endlessly recommend to friends?
“A Confederacy of Dunces.”

Who wrote a stunning first novel?
 “Harper Lee.”

Any upcoming titles that you’re excited about? “Iodine by Haven Kimmel. In it, she out–Sylvia Plaths Sylvia Plath in The Bell Jar.”

A favourite book about travel? “The Hermès Bible of Stylish Travel. I just made that up, but I bet you wanted it. I bet you pictured a smart little leather cover with a brass-hook closure.”

A novel that you wish you had written? “Harry Potter. So that I could buy Paris and kick everybody out and eat all the pastries.”

Favourite bookshop? “I can’t tell you without hurting somebody’s feelings, so…”

A favourite new author? “Excuse me, but I’m still new. I don’t like you fashion people. You make everybody feel old. Unless you … are you saying? Around the eyes? Little lines? Oh, Christ. Maybe you’re right.”

Ok, a great unknown writer then? “Naguib Mahfouz. While he won the Nobel for literature in the 1980s, I don’t often hear his name mentioned. That’s a shame. His books are so atmospheric and richly observed. Truly, there is no better way to visit the Egypt of the 1950s and experience family life.”

What was the first book you fell in love with? “Funny you should ask: Midaq Alley by Naguib Mahfouz—which I bought because it had a pretty cover. It’s as simple and vapid as that. But that lush, rich cover pulled me into the most astonishing Egyptian soap opera.”

And what are you reading right now? “Room-service menus — I’m still on book tour.”

Photography by Vanessa Heins

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