He isn't Gray's harshest critic; I am. He's one of my favourite writers, nestled between Beckett (one) and Philip K Dick (three). The emotional, lateral thinking is breathtaking. But his flaws are obvious. He's too university and student-centric. Take Lanark's mural in the church, his spurning of industry. Everything about it, in a way, is true, but most zeitgeist social-commentators would (rightly) find it too embarrassing to write. Also the disjointed / episodic style is very undisciplined.
An incredible, beautifully made documentary. Gray is overlooked and underrated - up there with William Blake. Sadly, I get the feeling that he'll only be truly appreciated after his death, when the people he's influenced make it big and acknowledge that they're standing on the shoulders of giants.
Lanark's reputation as the Great Scottish Novel has been secure for some time now. It's the book Gray will continue to be remembered for. That's as much, realistically, as you can hope for. Good as 1982, Janine, Poor Things and Unlikely Stories, Mostly are, the rest aren't up to scratch.
I read Jim Hendry's wonderful novel 'Fernie Brae' after being told it was similar to 'Lanark'. Yeah, I know, of course I'll never read anything like 'Lanark' again as it's one of the most distinguished and distinctive great novels of our times. Thanks for posting this documentary and thanks for making it. Nice work.
I agree with David - Alasdair Gray is a great man with so many talents. Glad I got to see this doc on youtube as I didn't see it the first time around!
Great to be able to see this documentary again which I watched on TV when broadcast. It shows the genius of the great man, much loved writer, artist and Scottish icon. Long live Alasdair Gray.
He isn't Gray's harshest critic; I am. He's one of my favourite writers, nestled between Beckett (one) and Philip K Dick (three). The emotional, lateral thinking is breathtaking. But his flaws are obvious. He's too university and student-centric. Take Lanark's mural in the church, his spurning of industry. Everything about it, in a way, is true, but most zeitgeist social-commentators would (rightly) find it too embarrassing to write. Also the disjointed / episodic style is very undisciplined.
xjames118 7 months ago in playlist spoken word
An incredible, beautifully made documentary. Gray is overlooked and underrated - up there with William Blake. Sadly, I get the feeling that he'll only be truly appreciated after his death, when the people he's influenced make it big and acknowledge that they're standing on the shoulders of giants.
Elcore 1 year ago
@Elcore glad you enjoyed it! I like to think of myself as overlooked too!
kevtherev 1 year ago
@Elcore
Lanark's reputation as the Great Scottish Novel has been secure for some time now. It's the book Gray will continue to be remembered for. That's as much, realistically, as you can hope for. Good as 1982, Janine, Poor Things and Unlikely Stories, Mostly are, the rest aren't up to scratch.
chris4454x 10 months ago
A living legend, a true genious and a role model. Should be praised and praised, infinitly just like his life.
enzballarini 1 year ago 2
thank you for this documentary.
raindistrict 2 years ago 2
I read Jim Hendry's wonderful novel 'Fernie Brae' after being told it was similar to 'Lanark'. Yeah, I know, of course I'll never read anything like 'Lanark' again as it's one of the most distinguished and distinctive great novels of our times. Thanks for posting this documentary and thanks for making it. Nice work.
JerryX68 3 years ago
I agree with David - Alasdair Gray is a great man with so many talents. Glad I got to see this doc on youtube as I didn't see it the first time around!
irenelogan 4 years ago
Great to be able to see this documentary again which I watched on TV when broadcast. It shows the genius of the great man, much loved writer, artist and Scottish icon. Long live Alasdair Gray.
davidlevinson 4 years ago