Joan Vollmer
Joan Vollmer | |
|---|---|
Vollmer, early 1940s | |
| Born | February 4, 1923 Loudonville, New York, U.S. |
| Died | September 6, 1951 (aged 28) Mexico City, Mexico |
| Cause of death | Gunshot wound |
| Other names | Joan Vollmer Adams Joan Vollmer Burroughs |
| Education | Doane Stuart School |
| Alma mater | Barnard College |
| Spouse | William S. Burroughs |
| Children | Julie Adams William S. Burroughs Jr. |
Joan Vollmer (February 4, 1923 – September 6, 1951) was an influential participant in the early Beat Generation circle. While a student at Barnard College, she became the roommate of Edie Parker (later married to Jack Kerouac). Their apartment became a gathering place for the Beats during the 1940s, where Vollmer was often at the center of marathon, all-night discussions. In 1946, she began a relationship with William S. Burroughs, later becoming his common-law wife. In 1951, Burroughs killed Vollmer. He claimed, and shortly thereafter denied, the killing was a drunken attempt at playing William Tell.