h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Christopher Nolan - Author and Disabled Person - A87815811
Author: SashaQ - U9936370

I haven't made this linktastic yet, but I thought I would submit it today so people can see it, and I'll look at the links tomorrow

How sensitively written Sasha, it's a poignant tale.


My only remark, and it is very minor, would be to ask if you'd consider adding to the paragraph on his early death, that he was aged only 44. (I had to go back to the start and calculate it) sometimes it helps the reader (me) to spell things out a bit.

I sorta think that disabled person should not be in the title, this young man used his brain more than 5 of his contemporaries and once you explain the extent of his handicap that can easily be inferred.

I also think of 'My Left Foot's protagonist the author and artist Christie Brown.

I have to admit I think it should be there. It helps draw the reader straight into making exactly that comparison, that they used their brain.

Too many people see "disabled" and think that the person can't do *anything*, and I think it's good to see this myth busted.

The term itself isn't derogatory, but does help to emphasise misconceptions.

Thanks Lanzababy - I have added in the mention of his actual age when he sadly died.

Thanks for reading, Elektra

I put Author first in the title, as he saw himself as an author first and foremost, but he was also aware that he was disabled too, so I agree with Pastey that it is useful for both pieces of information to be in the title. I see there are a few other famous disabled people in the Guide, but unless you already know them, you might not know to look at the Entries if you are interested in learning more about the people who shaped the history of Disability culture.

I shall definitely add some connections to Christy Brown, as Christy Nolan was certainly compared to him as well as to James Joyce.

Links added

A paragraph including comparison to Christy Brown also added

This is good -a moving account of a man who made the most of his abilities despite his disabilites.

I wondered about the title, but if Christopher Nolan would have described himself thus, well and good.

I also wondered how he coped at school before he was helped to communicate.

Thanks minorvogonpoet

I have added in a bit more detail about his school experiences so I hope that is better

I remember a feeling of disappointment reading Under the Eye of the Clock (a clock I remember well, having been to school there too). A sceptical assessor visited the Nolan family to see how much input the mother might be having in the writings, at the period when she held Christy's head to steady as he typed. Christy wrote something to the effect that the visitor was threatening or generally unwelcome, which seemed more appropriate coming from the mother's perspective than his. Of course he could have picked up his mother's distrust, but I subsequently felt more suspicious than I had before.

Have you mentioned that Mount Temple School has other famous alumni in U2?

Thanks for your input Recumbentman

I added in mention of U2 being Mount Temple alumni, and a bit more about the criticism of whether he wrote his writing.

Speaking from experience, though, it is rather disconcerting when someone refuses to speak to someone because they are disabled, and talks only to their companions "does he take sugar?"-like...

What an amazing story, and well told. I have nothing to suggest, merely wanted to express my thanks for this.

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Congratulations Sasha

GB

Thanks everyone!