JG Ballard R.I.P.

in memoriam JG Ballard 1930-2009.

another leading light of science fiction has gone out. the fact that his mundane autobiographical novel was acclaimed whilst the majority of his science fiction is considered controversial accomplishes in its own way what the best science fiction always does -- throw into sharp relief the contours of the modern landscape.

"But one question still remains unanswered: who loaded the starting gun?"

perhaps he is best remembered through the words of his close friend, Michael Moorcock:

"JG Ballard was one of my closest friends for 50 years. Together with Barry Bayley, who died last year, we "plotted" the revolution in science fiction which led to the so-called New Wave and he was a regular contributor to New Worlds, which spearheaded that movement. He was exceptionally brave and cheerful to the end. He was a loyal and generous friend and a great influence on the generation of writers who followed him."