Murray Ball: A Cartoonist's Life

Name: Murray Ball: A Cartoonist's Life
Brand: Harper Audio
Availability: InStock
Author: Mason Ball
ISBN: 9781460738450

Author: Mason Ball

Narrator: Martin Crump

Unabridged: 5 hr 46 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: HarperAudio

Published: 07/15/2024

Categories: Nonfiction, Humor, Biography & Autobiography, Arts & Entertainment, Art, Graphic Arts

Synopsis

The long-awaited biography of cartoonist Murray Ball, creator of Footrot Flats
In Murray Ball: A Cartoonist's Life, Murray's son Mason Ball shares all the hits and misses and long years of hard graft that went into what would become the wildly successful creative enterprise: Footrot Flats. From his unique viewpoint and with candid honesty, Mason reveals the real-life backstory to Murray's most iconic characters and themes, telling the story of the man - and father - who could see the quirks of human nature and capture them with the stroke of a pen.Richly illustrated with family photos and cartoons by the bloke who brought us that most lovable character, the Dog.Let me show you how my dad became a leading cartoonist of his generation, how his endearing characters evolved and where the insightful and humorous ideas sprang from. Let's see the man behind the drawing desk and delve into the workings of his mind. - Mason Ball

About Mason Ball

Mason Ball was born in 1966 and grew up in Gisborne on the farm that would inspire some of New Zealand's most beloved and iconic comic strips. He has worked as a journalist, audio sub-editor and English language teacher. He lives with his wife, Kuniko, and their three children in Wellington, where he enjoys painting, collage and jazz.

About Martin Crump

Martin Crump is an experienced MC and country and western host, who toured with the Highway of Legends, in which book his story is featured. Son of Barry Crump, Martin is a long-term radio host with his own weekend programme, and also co-hosts a weekday slot with Alice Worsley on Radio Pacific.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Prue on December 16, 2023

I really looked forward to this biography of a cartoonist who was a big part of my early adult years. Written by his son, it was a big disappointment. Superficial, repetitive, and didnt really give us any insight. 2nd book by an offspring (the other being John Clark) that seem opportunist rather tha......more

Goodreads review by Julie on December 16, 2024

An insightful biography of a true blue kiwi legend. I enjoyed getting the really personal side seeing as it was written by his son so it really made it feel more intimate. There was so much more to the life of Murray Ball that the public saw. It was interesting to be reminded about how cartoon strip......more

Goodreads review by troy spry on November 27, 2023

A realistic view of the man and the relationship. I bought this book due to growing up on Footrot Flats. The description of Murray and the relationship with his family was not a slavish feel good one and was all the better for it. The post Footrot Flats era was an explanation as I remember some of hi......more

Goodreads review by Nadia on June 27, 2024

I really enjoyed learning about the characters origins and the politics of 80s as a bit changed during that period steering us to where we currently are. I would recommend this to any fans of his work who want to learn more. Also always cool to read about rural life in NZ being a Kiwi myself.......more

Goodreads review by Hastings75 on December 25, 2024

After listening to Mason speak at the Writers Festival earlier this year, this has been on my “Going to Read on Xmas Day for some Kiwiana” list all year. Loved the reflections and stories on a man who brought so much joy to NZ - and a man who was very principled in everything he did.......more