Remembering Geoff Nicholson: A Literary Talent Defined by Obsession
Geoff Nicholson, a prominent English writer known for his engaging darkly comic novels and eclectic nonfiction, passed away at the age of 71 on January 18 in Colchester, England. His partner, Caroline Gannon, revealed that he succumbed to chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, a rare form of bone marrow cancer.
Literary Career and Notable Works
Known for his vivid prose and sharp wit, Nicholson’s body of work often featured characters consumed by unique obsessions—ranging from cartography to Volkswagen Beetles, and from urban exploration to sexual fetishes. His writing typically combined bizarre plots with stylized dialogue, gaining him a devoted, albeit niche, readership throughout his prolific career.
Among Nicholson’s most notable novels is Bleeding London, which was shortlisted for the Whitbread Award. In this novel, readers are introduced to three protagonists, each characterized by an obsession with mapping the city, an obsession that echoes Nicholson’s own passion for cartography. Critic Michiko Kakutani of the New York Times commented on the book, stating that Nicholson skillfully intertwines the eccentric lives of his characters into a witty farce reminiscent of the best works of mid-century satirist Kingsley Amis.
Thematic Flourishes: Obsessions and Collecting
Maps and collections are recurring themes in Nicholson’s oeuvre. His 2014 work, The City Under the Skin, presents a dystopian narrative where characters are tattooed with crude maps before being released into a chaotic urban environment. Driven by his fascination with mappings, he once remarked, “I’m a bit of a serial obsessive in that I get deeply interested in things for a short time.” His character from Hunters and Gatherers (1994) reflects this idea, observing that “collecting is an act of appropriation,” highlighting his belief in the importance of creating connections through curated collections.
Personal Life and Influences
Nicholson’s personal life was intertwined with his creative interests. He was married to Dian Hanson, a former model and editor of the fetish-themed magazine Leg Show, which provided him with inspiration for works like the murder mystery Footsucker (1995). Despite the provocative themes, reviewers noted that his territory could sometimes feel uninviting, as expressed by Emily Nussbaum in the New York Times.
Born on March 4, 1953, in Sheffield, England, Nicholson was an only child of Geoffrey and Violet Nicholson. His academic journey led him to Gonville & Caius College at the University of Cambridge, where he studied English, followed by drama at Essex University. He began his literary career publishing stories in the magazine Ambit, eventually becoming prose editor and later showcasing works by notable authors such as Jonathan Lethem.
A Prolific Writer with a Unique Perspective
Across his career, which spanned over three decades, Nicholson produced 17 novels and 10 works of nonfiction. Although he sometimes expressed discomfort with being labeled as “prolific,” he defended his output in a 2009 essay, stating that 20 books in 22 years did not seem excessive to him, given his commitment to writing full-time.
Later Years and Legacy
In the later stages of his career, his focus shifted from rich fetishistic themes to the simple pleasure of walking. His travel memoirs, including The Lost Art of Walking (2008) and Walking on Thin Air: A Life’s Journey in 99 Steps (2023), reflect his introspective nature and the joy he found in pedestrian experiences. In his final book, he emphasized the importance of observation, noting, “I go to places. I walk when I’m there, I look around, I write about what I see and feel.”
Conclusion: A Unique Voice in Literature
Nicholson’s writing was imbued with humor and insight, painting a picture of the world through the lens of obsession and exploration. His ability to simultaneously entertain and provoke thought ensures that his contributions to literature will be remembered fondly by a dedicated readership. As Tom Zoellner rightly pointed out, Nicholson’s unique perspective made it impossible for anyone to replicate his style or thematic interests.
