Comments on: James Cawthorn, RIP: 1929-2008

By: Michael Moorcock

Michael Moorcock — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:06:57 +0000

Yes, it was a parody of my subject (The Ice Schooner) and Jimmy’s style. As a matter of interest I also wrote a brief parody in I think the first Hawkmoon book. As I recall, it was early on and begins, of course: At dawn, when…
Jimmy didn’t respond to the parody and as you say I got the impression he didn’t like it. Jim’s Storm Bird illustrations were done with a felt tip, as he said, very rapidly — which was often the way to get Jim’s best work, since he tended to overwork stuff. You had to know when to leap in and shout ‘deadline’ while the drawings were ‘unfinished’.

By: Simon Sellars

Simon Sellars — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:29:15 +0000

According to Mike Moorcock, Ballard wasn’t a fan of the piece:

“”Cawthorn’s Ballard of a Whaler, a parody of both Ballard and me, didn’t go down too well with Ballard, but it made me laugh a lot…

It was only a page. A tribute to Ballard, I think, that he is so often parodied (or imitated).”

http://nightshadebooks.com/discus/messages/381/382.html?1153126523

By: Anthony

Anthony — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:47:59 +0000

I think that we all sometimes underestimate the wry humour in the Ballardouniverse. His take is ironic, sometimes gutwrenchingly accurate, but the charm and optimism shines through. This piece is so obscure I am unbelievably grateful it has been posted. It is, also, great fun! Thank you. Anthony.

By: MaaqF

MaaqF — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:00:22 +0000

Good to see ‘Ballard of a Whaler’ revived. It remains a delight, and is a useful reminder of the more playful side of New Worlds. Thanks. Vale, James Cawthorn.

By: Simon Sellars

Simon Sellars — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:00:51 +0000

Snap!

By: John Coulthart

John Coulthart — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:58:32 +0000

Heh, I nearly posted that pastiche myself!