J.G. Ballard, Nonfiction and Fiction with Mark Blacklock
Oct 25, 2023
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Mark Blacklock, Lecturer at Birkbeck College, discusses J.G. Ballard's blurring of fact and fiction, the disturbing nature of his writing, his analysis of the future, and insights into his nonfiction writings.
The collection 'J.G. Ballard Selected Nonfiction 1962-2007' blurs the line between fiction and non-fiction, presenting a unique combination of both genres.
Mark Blacklock's passion for J.G. Ballard's work led to the realization of the need for a comprehensive collection covering the entirety of Ballard's career.
Deep dives
The collection explores J.G. Ballard's selected non-fiction writings
The recently released collection delves into J.G. Ballard's non-fiction writings from 1962 to 2007. It includes a range of pieces such as statements, commentaries, reviews, and early journalism work. The collection presents a unique combination of fiction and non-fiction, blurring the line between the two. The editor, Mark Blacklock, highlights the peculiarity of this collection in covering the full range of Ballard's career and gathering some previously uncollected and obscure pieces.
Mark Blacklock shares insights into the editing process and background
In this episode, Mark Blacklock provides insights into his background and explains how he became involved in editing the collection. As both an academic and a writer himself, he was drawn to the idea of curating this collection. Blacklock discusses his previous work on Ballard, including writing about him for his M.A thesis, collaborating with colleague Roger Luckhurst, and exploring Ballard's archives at the British Library. His passion for Ballard's work led him to the realization that a comprehensive collection covering the entirety of Ballard's career was needed.
Ballard's themes and influences are discussed
The podcast episode explores the recurring themes and unique influences in J.G. Ballard's work. It delves into Ballard's rejection of traditional science fiction and his advocacy for a more experimental and scientifically relevant genre. Surrealism emerges as a significant influence on his writing, with Ballard using techniques and concepts from the movement to challenge conventional narratives and blur the boundaries between reality and fiction. The discussion also highlights Ballard's fascination with media, celebrity, and the impact of technology on humanity.
Ballard's astute analysis of society and his impact on the future are considered
The podcast delves into J.G. Ballard's astute analysis of contemporary culture and his ability to anticipate future trends. Ballard's examination of media, politics, and social behavior is discussed, including his observations on figures like Ronald Reagan and the potential influence of reality TV. The podcast also touches on Ballard's exploration of the individual in an increasingly depersonalized and data-driven world. The concept of the unstoppable progression of Ballardianism, where individuals lose agency and become swept up in surrealism and violence, is contemplated. The podcast concludes by pondering how Ballard would react and analyze current societal developments if he were still alive today.
Mark Blacklock is Lecturer in Modern and Contemporary Literature at Birkbeck College, University of London. He is the author of the cultural history The Emergence of the Fourth Dimension, and his most recent novel Hinton was longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction in 2021. In this episode we discuss 'J.G. Ballard Selected Nonfiction 1962-2007'
Book link:
https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262048323/selected-nonfiction-19622007/
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