M. John Harrison
M. John Harrison: A Life of Visionary Writing
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Full Name and Common Aliases
M. John Harrison is a British author, born on November 6, 1945. He is often referred to simply as John Harrison.
Birth and Death Dates
November 6, 1945 - present
Nationality and Profession(s)
British, Author, Novelist, Short Story Writer
Early Life and Background
M. John Harrison was born in Greet, a small village in Derbyshire, England. His early life was marked by a love for fantasy and science fiction, which would later become the foundation of his writing career. He attended the University of Liverpool, where he studied English Literature and began to develop his writing skills.
Harrison's early influences include authors such as J.G. Ballard, Mervyn Peake, and Arthur Machen, whose works he would later pay homage to in his own writing. His fascination with mythology, folklore, and science fiction led him to create unique narratives that blended elements of these genres.
Major Accomplishments
M. John Harrison has made significant contributions to the literary world as an author of novels, short stories, and essays. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
Novel Writing: Harrison is best known for his novel "Light" (2002), which won the Arthur C. Clarke Award in 2003.
Short Story Collection: His collection "Things That Never Happen" (1989) received critical acclaim and showcased his mastery of the short story form.
Influential Works: Harrison's novels, such as "The Course of the Heart" (1991), have been praised for their unique blend of science fiction and fantasy elements.Notable Works or Actions
Throughout his career, M. John Harrison has been recognized for his distinctive writing style, which often explores the intersection of technology and human experience. Some notable works include:
"Light" (2002) - a novel that delves into themes of science fiction, fantasy, and mythology.
"The Course of the Heart" (1991) - a novel that blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and philosophy.
"Things That Never Happen" (1989) - a short story collection that showcases Harrison's ability to craft innovative narratives.
Impact and Legacy
M. John Harrison has had a significant impact on the literary world with his unique blend of science fiction, fantasy, and mythology. His writing often challenges readers' perceptions of reality and encourages them to explore the boundaries between technology and human experience.
Harrison's influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary authors who have followed in his footsteps. His legacy extends beyond his written works, as he has also inspired a new generation of writers to experiment with innovative narrative forms.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
M. John Harrison is widely quoted and remembered for his visionary writing style, which often explores the intersection of technology and human experience. His unique blend of science fiction, fantasy, and mythology has captivated readers and inspired a new generation of writers to experiment with innovative narrative forms.
Harrison's quotes often reflect his fascination with the unknown and his desire to challenge readers' perceptions of reality. He is widely quoted for his insight into the relationship between technology and human experience, which he believes is essential to understanding our place in the world.
Overall, M. John Harrison is a remarkable author whose contributions to literature have left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. His visionary writing style has inspired countless readers and writers, cementing his legacy as one of the most innovative authors of our time.
Quotes by M. John Harrison
Two men deep in conversation could be seen disappearing along the opposite pavement towards Mortlake, their shadows cast huge and filmily onto the brewery walls by the kind of late-night city light that, while failing to relieve the darkness in any way, seems to pour in from every direction at once. Otherwise Wharf Terrace presented itself with only minute differences from his usual point of view. He had expected more.
The first time we spoke, Mr. Ambraysas told me, ‘Identity is not negotiable. An identity you have achieved by agreement is always a prison.
I think it’s undignified to read for the purposes of escape. After you grow up, you should start reading for other purposes.
Outside, a dog sprawls among the empty tables, its body rocking with the evening heat. Someone has given it a hamburger which first it guards, then, eventually, eats. It’s some kind of winter dog, a malamute perhaps, a dog of marvellous subtle greys and whites. Also of transparent intelligence, and less transparent motive. The beauty of an animal like this appears to fix it in our expectations. But while its beauty says one thing, its heart may say another.
Before I came to the city I cut off my hair. It was the first of many fatally symbolic gestures.
He was lonely; I wanted to help, of course, but not from so intimate a distance; and lately our meetings had become memorable as a series of comically protracted farewells on station platforms and embarrassed, hasty protestations of friendship made through the windows of departing taxicabs.
A gull planed steeply over their heads, a precarious flash of white against the windy blue sky. The short, hacking cry of a baby seemed to merge seamlessly for a moment with the gull’s repetitive wail, as if they were one species. One species, Falkender thought, raucous and scavenging; one species calling out in pain. To be human is to be mixed and miscegenated like this. To be lost.
At Birkin Grif’s left, his seat insecure on a scruffy packhorse, Theomeris Glyn, his only armour a steel-stressed leather cap, grumbled at the cold and the earliness of the hour, and cursed the flint hearts of city girls.
Stories pass the experienced world back and forth between them as a metaphor, until it is worn out. Only then do we realize that meaning is an act. We must repossess it, instant to instant in our lives.
I think it's undignified to read for the purposes of escape. After you grow up, you should start reading for other purposes