Friday, May 11, 2012

Behind Every Great Novelist

This illustration appears in the New York Times Book Review alongside a review by Christopher Benfey of John Sutherland's "Lives of the Novelists." Sutherland's book profiles a long list of notable writers and the personal events that may or may not have influenced their creative output. I tried to distill the typical experience of a literary icon into nine small panels. I'm certain that many of our great writers have worked in a coal mine and owned a small poodle. 

8 comments:

  1. Is this available as a poster?

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  2. This is also the personal history of every great musician, poet and artist.

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  3. A pet is necessary? Can't the lack of a pet be one of my great tragedies? ;)

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  4. Hey Grant! I just discovered your work through a Tumblr post by John Green, and I love it!

    Have you heard of Tom Gauld? You remind me a lot of him. I think you'd like each other.

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  5. EdgedinBlue: A pet is essential! Otherwise the novelist will never leave the house.

    Boolean Earth: Thanks! And yes, Tom Gauld's work has been an inspiration. I think he was also inspired by Edward Gorey, another influence I share.

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  6. I hope its ok to link to this cartoon in a blog post I am writing? Its so perfect as a visual explanation!

    I've put this blogs details down the bottom of the article and hope I've done the right thing!

    love your work!

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  7. Last one is so true. Thank goodness for blogs.

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