Christie malry s own double entry is johnson s most broadly humorous book, though as readers will discover, his humor has a bite. Following up a true original like crush proof wasnt going to be easy, but tickell has just about pulled it off. Although those interested in experimental british novelist b. It is a relatively short book the edition i read was 180 pages, many of them text free. Oct 22, 2014 christie malrys own double entry original theatrical trailer. Johnson, who killed himself at the age of 40 in 1973, should probably begin reading this enigmatic writer with his second novel albert angelo, christie malry s own double entry is an imaginative blackcomic tale of a bookkeeper s effort to take revenge on society for all perceived and real slights. Christie malrys own double entry original theatrical. New directions publishing christie malrys own doubleentry. This is the first american edition of a short avantgarde british novel, initially published in 1973, the same year its author committed suicide. Christie malrys own double entry original theatrical trailer.
It is the metafictional account of a disaffected young man, christie malry, who applies the principles of doubleentry bookkeeping to his own life, crediting himself against society in an increasingly violent manner for perceived debits. Mar 12, 2016 however, i think he will be appreciated by readers of speculative fiction. However, this accessibility is in the midst of a studiedly experimental text. Paul tickell presents christie malrys own double entry. A disaffected young man, christie malry, is a simple man who learns the principles of doubleentry bookkeeping while taking an evening class in accountancy. Christie malrys own doubleentry by b s johnson pan macmillan. Christie malrys own doubleentry 1973 is the penultimate novel by the late british avantgarde novelist b.
Christie figures that society owes him, so he keeps doubleentry books on what he is owed and gives himself credit when he causes mayhem or kills people. The hero, christie malty, is a young accountant with a london cake manufacturer. Christie malrys own double entry, by bs johnson, picador, 2001, cover by julia hember christie malry was a simple man begins bs johnsons wonderfully dark novel. His job in a bank puts him next to but not in possession of money. Also, several characters appear to be selfaware as inhabitants of a novel. Christie malrys own doubleentry is johnsons most broadly humorous book, though as readers will discover, his humor has a bite. Johnsons most humorous book but it is a dark, sly humour. Christie malrys own doubleentry new directions publishing. Christie malrys own doubleentry by b s johnson fantastic fiction. Johnson, who killed himself at the age of 40 in 1973, should probably begin reading this enigmatic writer with his second novel albert angelo, christie malrys own doubleentry is an imaginative blackcomic tale of a bookkeepers effort to take revenge on society for all perceived and real slights.
Adapted from the angry novel by experimental novelist bs johnson, this is an ambitious attempt to capture on film a particularly english strain of. Christie malrys own double entry from christie malrys own. He encounters the principles of double entry bookkeeping and adapts them in his own dramatic fashion to settle his account with. Johnsons most popular book is christie malrys own double entry. Best known for the unfortunates his book in a box where every chapter is separately bound and the reader is invited to read them in any order he or she wishes, christie malrys own double entry is perhaps his most accessible novel. Paul tickell presents christie malrys own double entry 3. Christie malrys own double entry, by bs johnson, picador, 2001, cover by julia hember.
Christie malry s own double entry 1973 is the penultimate novel by the late british avantgarde novelist b. Beautifully constructed, funny and poignant, christie malrys own doubleentry is regarded as b. Johnson was a journalist, a socialist, and a fine novelist. Christies great idea is the application of rite principles of doubleentry beyond bookkeeping to the world outside. However, i think he will be appreciated by readers of speculative fiction. Christie malrys own doubleentry is a unique balance sheet of a single human beings existence christie malry is young but he knows that money gives power so to be closer to the great amounts of money he starts working in the bank. Adapted from the angry novel by experimental novelist bs johnson, this is an ambitious attempt to capture on film a particularly english strain of frustration, resentment and despair. The film is further enhanced by a terrific soundtrack by auteurs frontman luke haines. The book outlines the frustrations of christie malry, a bank clerk and subsequently, accounts clerk, in facing up to the irritations and unfairnesses of everyday life at work and at home, including the organisation of business and political life and personal tragedies such as illness and death. Christie malrys own doubleentry is a demented hybrid of billy liar and twisted nietzschean excess, and every frame crackles with energy. Johnson gives christie cancer, and kills him off, apparently with no illwill from christie.
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