Born On This Day- November 4th... British Writer J.R. Ackerley

I have posted about my love of canines, & sometimes I feel a twinge of guilt that I like dogs more than people. I started collecting dog books about the time of life with our first dog- Baby (this was 1 of my 1st posts), more that 23 years ago. 2 of my most favorite dog books, on a novel & one a memoir, are by the fascinating Edwardian- British writer J. R. Ackerley: My Dog Tulip & We Think The World Of You are beautifully written, heartwarming, & as with all dog stories, heartbreaking.

From 1935 - 1959, Ackerley edited The Listener, BBC’s weekly literature & arts journal. His skill & eclectic touch brought him to be recognition as one his generation's most brilliant editors of his generation. The Listener had E. M. Forster, Virginia Woolf, W. H. Auden, Christopher Isherwood, & Stephen Spender among the contirbutors. Spender commented that Ackerley "cared immensely about what books were reviewed, & by whom, & what poems he published. He encouraged young writers." Ackerley's own output was just 1 play, 1 novel, 3 volumes of autobiography, & a few of poems, but his candor, frankness, & honesty often upset readers & friends alike. Late in life, he explained his position Stephen Spender; "to speak the truth, I think that people ought to be upset, and if I had a paper I would upset them all the time. I think that life is so important and, in its workings, so upsetting that nobody should be spared."


My Dog Tulip tells the story of Ackerman's being stuck with a dog when his laborer/rough trade lover was sent to jail, & recounts the troubling, erratic behavior, canine tastes, & Ackerley’s determined efforts to ensure an existence of perfect happiness for Tulip, & ultimate love he has for this beautiful Shepard. We Think The World Of You is a novelized account of the same story & it has a formal perfection, with not only a a non-human central character who acts as symbol & representation for love & it's pains, & whose purpose changes as the story matures, but also an ending of solemn resignation & a warning to be careful what you wish for.  It was made into a very good film starring Alan Bates & Gary Oldman. My Dog Tulip has been made into an animated feature, with voice work by Lynn Redgrave, Christopher Plummer, Isabella Rossellini & Brian Murray. It is slated for release this winter.