The Mouse and his Child

Amazing video of Russell Hoban giving a lecture on his writing and working processes in 1990. From Alida Allison, Professor, San Diego State University (SDSU): "In 1990, Russell Hoban did a 10-day reading tour of Southern California that began at SDSU, continued to UC Riverside, California State University Long Beach (where he saw its Drama Department's production of Riddley Walker), and ended at UCLA. Russ spoke twice at SDSU. First was October 17, covering primarily his books for adults, especially Riddley Walker. The video linked here is the first part of that lecture. Second was the next day and covered his children's books. For this, the 600-seat Don Powell Theater was standing room only and the audience very receptive. Russ, too, enjoyed his two-plus hours. Hoban's unique mind, language, range, depth, and humor come to life as he reads from his books, comments on them, relays anecdotes and writer's secrets, and brings out props he carried all the way from London. Thanks to the efforts of The Kraken and russellhoban.org these precious talks are available. Regrettably, the quality was not professional in the first place and this is the best we have. Will improve when/if possible." Our thanks to Professor Allison for allowing the upload of this video to YouTube and to Olaf Schneider for the uploading. Thanks also to Dr Yvonne Studer for her help with the videos.