Who Is J. G. Ballard? Age, Biography and Wiki
J. G. Ballard, born on November 15, 1930, was an influential English writer known for his distinctive literary style and visionary narratives. He passed away in 2009, but his works continue to inspire writers and readers alike. Recognized for blending science fiction with psychological and surreal elements, Ballard's contributions to literature have cemented his place as a significant figure in 20th-century fiction. His notable works include Crash, Empire of the Sun, and The Drowned World, each reflecting on modern society and human psyche.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 15, 1930 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Shanghai International Settlement, China (present-day Shanghai, China) |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 19 April, 2009 |
| Died Place | London, England, UK |
Popularity
J. G. Ballard's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While J. G. Ballard was not known for his physical presence, as he predominantly focused on his literary work, it is often noted that he had a commanding presence in literary discussions. Not publicly documented, his height and weight remain less emphasized, as the emphasis was more on his intellectual contributions rather than physical attributes.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ballard was married to his wife, Mary Ballard, until her passing in 1964. The couple had three children. After Mary's death, he raised their children alone and did not indulge much in new romantic relationships, as much of his life focused on his familial responsibilities and writing. His personal life was marked by a commitment to his family and his craft, sharing insights into his relationships through his literary works.
In late 1945, Ballard's mother returned to Britain with J. G. and his sister, where they resided at Plymouth, and he attended The Leys School in Cambridge, where he won a prize for a well-written essay.
Within a few years, Mrs Ballard and her daughter returned to China and rejoined Mr Ballard; and, whilst not at school, Ballard resided with grandparents. In 1949, he studied medicine at King's College, Cambridge, with the intention of becoming a psychiatrist.
At university, Ballard wrote avant-garde fiction influenced by psychoanalysis and the works of surrealist painters, and pursued writing fiction and medicine. In his second year at Cambridge, in May 1951, the short story "The Violent Noon", a Hemingway pastiche, won a crime-story competition and was published in the Varsity newspaper.
In October 1951, encouraged by publication, and understanding that clinical medicine disallowed time to write fiction, Ballard forsook medicine and enrolled at Queen Mary College to read English literature. After a year, he quit the College and worked as an advertising copywriter, then worked as an itinerant encyclopaedia salesman.
Throughout that odd-job period, Ballard continued writing short-story fiction but found no publisher.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2009, J. G. Ballard's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. His earnings primarily stemmed from his prolific writing career, book sales, and film adaptations of his works. Given the ongoing interest in his writing, it’s likely that his estate continues to generate income through royalties and adaptations, thereby maintaining a substantial financial legacy.
Career, Business and Investments
J. G. Ballard's career spanned several decades, with groundbreaking contributions to literature, cinema, and art. He began publishing short stories in the 1950s, gradually establishing a reputation for his thought-provoking narratives. As a writer, Ballard experimented with various genres, but he is most famously known for his works in speculative fiction. Additionally, Ballard ventured into film and art, producing screenplays and engaging in the visual arts, all the while maintaining a critical view of contemporary society.
In June 2010 the British Library acquired Ballard's personal archives under the British government's acceptance in lieu scheme for death duties. The archive contains eighteen holograph manuscripts for Ballard's novels, including the 840-page manuscript for Empire of the Sun, plus correspondence, notebooks, and photographs from throughout his life.
In addition, two typewritten manuscripts for The Unlimited Dream Company are held at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin.
Social Network
Although J. G. Ballard passed away in 2009, his works continue to inspire discussions on various social media platforms, literary blogs, and forums. Fans and critics alike often engage in dialogues about his themes, offering insights into how his visions of the future resonate even today. His legacy continues to thrive through online communities dedicated to exploring the depth of his works.
James Graham Ballard (15 November 1930 – 19 April 2009) was an English novelist and short-story writer, satirist and essayist known for psychologically provocative works of fiction that explore the relations between human psychology, technology, sex and mass media.
Ballard first became associated with New Wave science fiction for post-apocalyptic novels such as The Drowned World (1962).
He later courted controversy with the short-story collection The Atrocity Exhibition (1970), which includes the 1968 story "Why I Want to Fuck Ronald Reagan", and later the novel Crash (1973), a story about car-crash fetishists.
Education
J. G. Ballard was educated at the University of Cambridge, where he studied medicine before eventually shifting his focus to writing. His educational background heavily influenced his literary voice, providing a foundation in both the sciences and the humanities, which is evident in the intricate themes woven throughout his narratives.
J. G. At school age, Ballard attended the Cathedral School of the Holy Trinity Church, Shanghai. Upon the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), the Ballard family abandoned their suburban house, and moved to a house in the city centre of Shanghai to avoid the warfare between the Chinese defenders and the Japanese invaders.
