Anyone ever hear of this book / Guy? The Grass Arena and its author, John Healy?
[url]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Healy_(author)[/url]
[url]http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/aug/05/biography[/url]
Incredible story. Remember seeing a bit of a film when I was younger, but only read the book for the 1st time last year. Its an incredible story. Terrible upbringing. He was in the Army… then Became a Boxer. Had Alcohol issues all his young life. Then became a down & out.
Witnessed incredible violence & misery living rough in London. Served time in Jail.
Then… he discovered Chess. Took up the game @ the age of 30ish & became a Chess Champion.
All this was around the late 70’s I believe.
Just watching a Documentary about him now. He’s not had an easy life since he wrote the story of his life - which was a huge critical success. He threatened to cut off his publishers heads with an axe at some point - LOL, and they never reprinted his book again. He hasnt had anything published for over 20years.
Some friends seem to be trying to help him get back into print. You can now buy the Grass Arena again… but he has several completed books that have yet to be published. Shame to see him turn his life around & yet be kept down. Hes a horrible & brilliant character… and thats ultimately the thing that has caused the majority of calamaties in his life.
But there does seem to be a class stuggle / conflict theme there too. He was constantly going against his “betters” - the Army… The Chess Establishment & The Publishing Houses.
Its difficult to change who you are when your past follows you around & the stigma of who you are goes before you. Hes a funny guy. The Documentary was kinda sad. He really should have a better life at this stage in the game. Ah well…
Anyway… check it out if you like a good book. Its excellent.
