Anthony Burgess’s Lost Manuscript: ‘The Clockwork Condition’
Discovery of a Literary Treasure
A groundbreaking discovery has been made in the archives of renowned author Anthony Burgess. Literature professor Andrew Biswell has unearthed a 200-page manuscript titled “The Clockwork Condition,” a previously unknown work that delves into the philosophical themes of Burgess’s most famous novel, “A Clockwork Orange.”
Not a Sequel, but a Philosophical Exploration
Contrary to rumors, “The Clockwork Condition” is not a direct sequel to “A Clockwork Orange.” Instead, it is a philosophical meditation on the “condition of modern man,” structured similarly to Dante’s “Inferno.” Burgess intended to use the work to explore the complex issues of crime, punishment, and visual culture that were central to his earlier novel.
A Cash Grab with a Twist
The genesis of “The Clockwork Condition” lies in a request from a publisher who sought to capitalize on the success of Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 film adaptation of “A Clockwork Orange.” Burgess agreed to write a brief follow-up with the term “clockwork” in the title. However, as he delved into the project, the manuscript grew far beyond its intended scope.
Autobiographical Insights and the Origin of a Title
“The Clockwork Condition” provides valuable autobiographical insights into Burgess’s life and work. It reveals the origin of the iconic title “A Clockwork Orange,” which Burgess heard from an elderly Cockney man during his time in the army. The manuscript also sheds light on Burgess’s conflicted feelings about the controversy surrounding “A Clockwork Orange” and its alleged influence on copycat crimes.
Abandonment and the Path to Publication
Despite his initial enthusiasm, Burgess ultimately abandoned work on “The Clockwork Condition.” He realized that his strengths lay in fiction rather than philosophy. However, he later published a short novella titled “The Clockwork Testament,” which explored some of the themes he had begun in “The Clockwork Condition.”
Plans for Publication and Other Literary Treasures
While no plans have been announced to publish a finished version of “The Clockwork Condition,” Biswell believes that there is enough material in a finished state to make it a viable project. The discovery of this manuscript has also led to the uncovering of other unpublished works by Burgess, including an unfinished dictionary of slang.
The Importance of Legacy and the Power of Literature
The discovery of “The Clockwork Condition” is a testament to the enduring legacy of Anthony Burgess and the power of literature to explore the human condition in all its complexities. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of a master writer and offers new insights into the themes that have shaped his most famous works.
