‘Murray Ball - A Cartoonist’s Life’ by Mason Ball
Mason Ball, son of the legendary cartoonist Murray Ball wanted to pen his father’s story over anyone else – after all, it was the family that knew him best. Mason feared that another biographer would only present a one-dimensional character of Murray as the famous Footrot Flats creator. Murray was more than that and this memoir certainly captures the deep-thinking, serious-minded, disciplined character that Murray was, and Mason skillfully paints a complete picture of his father through his words.
Honest and authentic, Mason gives us not only his own memories, but quotes from Murray’s books, hand-written speeches and recollections from the wider family. A poignant touch is the cover photo taken by Murray’s beloved and dedicated wife Pam – a moment in time captured with the farm dog Finn who is reminiscent of his iconic Footrot Flats character Dog.
Determined to ‘take a day job so he could pursue what he loved outside working hours’ sums up Murray as he carved out a cartoonist’s life at a time when it was not on the prescribed careers list. Building a life and income from cartoonist ink filled the vacuum created after the disappointment of non-selection in the All Blacks rugby team. Sporty, highly motivated and driven in strict personal discipline shaped Murray’s formative years. He inherited these attributes from his father Nelson (Kelly) Ball who was an All Black in the 1930s. It was Murray’s belief that if he would adhere to strict routine and discipline then ‘his ideas and creations would continue to flow’ – such was his deep-set fear of it all drying up.
From his role as a teacher and a newly married man in the Coromandel, to travels to England to establish publishing links, through to Pam’s exemplary business skills, Murray has had all the opportunities and right people around him that ensured his success. Philosophically driven, a world-view thinker and compassionate, this memoir gives us more than Wal, Dog, Horse or Cooch. As a deeply private, hard-working man, Mason gives us the privilege of knowing more about the great Murray Ball.
Available in store and online.
Harper Collins
ISBN 9781775542490
