Pornokitsch

J.G. Ballard passed away yesterday, at age 78. 

Although most famous for his literary fiction like Empire of the Sun and Crash, Ballard also created some haunting dystopian science fiction in The Drowned World, Concrete Island and many of his short stories. He was never afraid of literary experimentation - or controversy - as shown in his work for Ambit and other edgy magazines and journals.

Mr Ballard was also a good speaker and very polite to fans at signings. Small things, but they make a big difference in how he is remembered. To this fan, at least.