J.G. Ballard, 1930 - 2009
British author J.G. Ballard had died after a long battle with cancer.
Below, a few scans from RE/Search #8-9, which has been a favorite book for a very long time. Click to enlarge.
Rest in peace, Mr. Ballard.
UPDATE: Several of you have asked about this book. It's available direct from researchpubs.com.
9 comments:
Even before his death (R.I.P), I was willing to read his books. Just... not the right time.
But well, reading this, I know I have to get the time to read it. I'm... thunderstruck.
Why so many words...
I really need to know about this book is it by Ed Ruscha or is just cover design by him. Has the book got an ISBN?
I'm in shock. I don't know why, but Ballard was one of those literary figures I felt would always be there. What's a world without him, slowly turning out his exotic, nightmare fictions? Rest in peace.
Kitty: The book isn't by Ruscha, nor is the cover designed by him. That's a scan of a painting Ruscha did.
I've updated the entry to include ordering information from the book. If you're interested in Ballard, I strongly recommend it: it's got excerpts of his work, interviews, art, etc. It's fantastic.
Mucho gracias Joseph. I have another book in the RE/search range on Burrows which is brilliant, they are a good range. I will get this book, thanks for bringing it to our attention. I miss all the culture news here in the mid week and have to wait until the weekend to go to the nearest town to get a British newspaper, I hate reading them on line.
I like you blog by the way.
http://www.ballardian.com/collapsing-bulkheads-the-covers-of-crash
Good design. I like it.
This particular book had a huge impact on me as well! I've read most of Ballard's novels and short stories, seen the movies made from his books, listened to the bands influenced by him, and followed all the other cultural breadcrumb trails he scattered about during his life, but this little primer remains for me the most perfect encapsulation of his thinking. More often than not, Ballard's books were packaged with lurid, pulpy covers by publishers with no understanding of the ideas contained within. Here, however, the editors are truly on the same wavelength, and the story selection, design, and accompanying imagery all admirably convey the Ballardian world view. He will be missed.
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