Comments on: J.G. Ballard's Experiment in Chemical Living

By: The Chemistry of Reading « Bookish Monkey

The Chemistry of Reading « Bookish Monkey — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 07:30:55 +0000

[...] Ballardian: the World of J.G. Ballard » J.G. Ballard’s Experiment in Chemical Living, a fascinating look at Ballard’s stint (1958-1964) as deputy editor and part-time writer for [...]

By: Mike B

Mike B — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 00:03:29 +0000

Nice one Tim. I remember being taught that the only really successful treatment for ethylene glycol poisoning was to get the patient roaring drunk for at least 24 hrs and that occasionally alcoholics would deliberately drink antifreeze to get a free bender.

By: TimC

TimC — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 15:59:04 +0000

This explains everything: “The major danger from ethylene glycol is following ingestion. Due to its sweet taste, children and animals will sometimes consume large quantities of it if given access to antifreeze.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethylene_glycol

The Bacardi Breezer of its day…

By: Ben Austwick

Ben Austwick — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 15:14:32 +0000

Great stuff, although that sinister picture of a schoolgirl talking about ethylene glycol is going to give me nightmares.

By: Rick McGrath

Rick McGrath — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 02:54:01 +0000

Outstanding, Mike! Superb piece of detecto scholarship… love those wacky ads… and ya know, if Simon collects a few more winners like this eye-popping presentation, it may start looking book-size. Hello? HarperCollins?

By: TimC

TimC — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 15:08:34 +0000

“Did this unusual review lead to him having his freedom curtailed?”

If so, it wouldn’t be a unique event in the history of C&I. After I reviewed a book titled ‘The chemistry of mind-altering drugs’ while working as a reporter there, there was a ban imposed (from the SCI general secretary, I was told) on reviews by current members of the editorial staff. The review’s archived here – http://www.2ubh.com/reviews/perrine.html

By: M W Joyce

M W Joyce — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 23:52:01 +0000

Interesting piece and more evidence of cut-ups.

By: r.m. morrow

r.m. morrow — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 21:50:30 +0000

Where to begin with vetting the creepiness of Exon 654? Maybe the upper left-hand corner, where the two dolls appear to be discussing something. Surely (pun intended), not an accident. The engineer didn’t just walk into the “Temple temple” and put on his ah! my children! soon you shall be in the world! face, with all of the doll heads cocked just so. The photographer put some thought into the mise-en-scene.

and this is a wonderful article. thank you.

By: Supervert

Supervert — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:26:44 +0000

Fabulous, fascinating piece. Bravo.