'He had a certain passion about life': Long-time friend remembers renowned author Cormac McCarthy

[@MrDanbloom]

"God's mercy on the Wild Ginger Man because he was The Ginger Man" -- says Francis Murphy with deep emotion in the final audio on this video. R.IP.

[@Dave.M_Guitar]

Very sad to hear of Cormac's passing. One of the all time greats. This was a beautiful tribute. Thanks, from a fellow Irishman

[@MerkinMuffly]

I think Suttree is the greatest autobiography ever written and Blood Meridian the greatest American novel ever written, it truly shows where America came from and where it still is and how it will probably end. Most of the world probably doesn't understand magnitude of the loss of Cormac McCarthy in the literary world , but I do, and I'm feeling about as down as one of the characters in one of his books today.

[@1993yaeger]

Suttree had some of the most beautiful sentences I’ve ever read. His vocabulary was just out of this world.

[@tomb5396]

Suttree, you just feel the character. This is true to his own experience. Blood meridian master piece. Every other read, some new detail pops

[@jasonuerkvitz3756]

It's okay, my friend, he's moved on into the dark mountains where he waits for us, tending the fire.

[@johnshannon9656]

"Blood Meridian" is great but I think everything he wrote after that is superior. When he got out of his Faulkner groove, he excelled.

[@HkFinn83]

Moby Dick is the great early American novel imo, and Blood Meridian is the great novel of depiction of the violence in American society and political life, as the books ends by saying, it’ll never die.

[@beloved7244]

He is the best writer for me. After reading blood meridian, he always speaks in my heart even though English is not my mother tongue. I just love his beautiful sad nostalgic writing and today one world closed the door. RIP. Sad

[@thatfatguy7591]

I am deeply saddened by his passing. I am currently reading Blood Meridian and went online to plan out the next book of his to read and was confused bec i was on his wiki page and it had his death as of june 13 2023 and I was like wait today is june 13 2023. I was in shock. The first book of his i read was no country for old men and was instantly hooked. I'd have to say my favorites of his are all the pretty horses and the crossing. His writing is archaic, brutish, deeply mysterious and mystical, and i have loved and enjoyed my time in the worlds he has created. Thank you Cormac Mccarthy for all the wonderful stories. Rest in peace.

[@19MichaelDixon]

I'm reading Blood Meridian also. My Mom and I both read a TON of books and she asked what I am reading. I told her and she said "He died last week." And I had no idea bit his story telling ability is second to none.

[@vangoghsear8657]

Really wish there'd be more of these interviews of his friends. This is so interesting.

[@ivorfaulkner4768]

Most critics talk about his gift for story telling but when I first read Cormac it was his style that struck as his most extraordinary talent. His writing style was like the theme music to a film: without it a lot would be missing.

[@juancarlosgallegos3902]

Man I'm not surprised they were good friends. This guy is full of delightful turns of phrase. "You cashed your check outta the cash register." "He was a wolf after the coin." "He was no spring chicken." "Most of us can't walk a straight line and chew gum."

[@QuietExplorations]

To be honest, I could listen to Mr. Francis tell stories for hours!

[@paulgiaconi-bonaguro4055]

Discovered Cormac in the mid 70's. He has been one of the highlights of my life. His writing ability meshes with genius, as well as, his 'prophetic' views. His books will b read and taught for many yrs. He is an injection of life perspective in the raw. R.I.P.

[@jonnowocky8179]

Thanks Dennis Francis for his words and time here, Cormac is missed, great to hear this little window into his life. Gods mercy on the wild ginger man.

[@1Tomrider]

Fantastic and completely unique author! His line that, "You never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from!" is haunting and just a little frightening!

[@gastondeveaux3783]

This is wonderful. I get a feeling Mr Francis is quite a story teller himself. ❤

[@Dapryor]

I just started rereading The Crossing when I heard the news. There’s few celebrities that have a real impact on me with their passing and this is definitely one of them.

[@codygusto9654]

Really appreciate Dennis's insights into Cormac here. Very genuine and sincere, what a great interview.

[@hopelore]

Nothing short of a legend. He earned a well-deserved place in the American literary canon

[@paulrom446]

A Man in Full! For sure! I worked on an Independent Film 🎥 that was shot here in Knoxville in the mid 90's called 'Exiting Left ' The Director had us read Suttree to establish the atmosphere and ambience they wanted for the film!

[@alebarruel]

BEAUTIFUL. Thanks.

[@frankgorrell6493]

Great interview!!! I was a student in Knoxville and lived in Louisville, Tn next to Bill Kidwell, a local artist and friend on Cormac and John Shadeen. What a cast of characters!!!

[@johnalbert5786]

Would love to hear more stories from this guy!

[@Stopitpls]

I do think it’s truly a shame that we don’t know more about McCarthy’s life, the books alone warrant an entire catalogue of his experiences and associates. Everything I hear about the man is truly fascinating and insinuates a true and pure and good man at heart. Saying that, I think I respect him most for his privacy, he knew what art is about and lived as artists should live.

[@robertpirsig5011]

That was beautiful to listen to. What a insight and tribute into what McCarthy was. Thank you

[@activeone]

Amazing insight into Cormac "God have mercy on the wild ginger man"

[@dbob3405]

I saw recently that there was going to be another attempt to turn Blood Meridian into a movie. I hope it is a success as the book is incredibly cinematic. Of the books of his that I have read, all have been outstanding. I read The Road in a single setting and felt it depicted the most realistic version of the end of the world I had ever encountered. Blood Meridian is a tour de force. It operates on so many levels and distills the essence of mankind devoid of grace or empathy. It is a naked exposition of all the violence, greed and sadism that we have exhibited throughout time. The Judge is a character taken right out of Milton and may be the most interesting character ever created by an American writer. He was a writer’s writer-a true artist

[@iiPrOpHcY]

Thank you for this so much Dennis. I could sit here forever listening to old stories about Cormac. Have read all his work, except for the Orchard Keeper and Suttree. Finally started the former last night.

[@coolstorybro6076]

Cormac McCarthy was a legend in his own time... and legends never die.

[@johnshannon9656]

The greatest American novelist. After that, Steinbeck. After that, many in third place. Sorry, I dislike Faulkner, so he's not in the running. Or Hemingway.

[@Crazybushful]

Any one else think "Holly molly there actually was a John Sheddan!?"

[@seanhennessey9869]

Yeah! How about that

[@johneyton5452]

Don't bring him any water! ! !

[@jeffhidalgo8457]

Thank you for the kind, real stories of McCarthy. He will live on in my subconscious. He was truly a gift. Fair winds you pirate.

[@blipblip88]

Nice little interview. Thanks!

[@lukestables708]

Many thanks for this. Mccarthy is my favourite writer, I was sad to hear he died but also grateful because he had given us so much, not least the two recent novels which I just loved. RIP

[@lilithrogers5204]

Aww great stories by a real friend ❤

[@dad102]

This is so good. God bless this man. Good job on the interview. Nice touch.

[@timhrklittimothyherrickvid169]

insightful and touching, tremendous interview

[@101Licious]

We lost a legend of literature. Rest In Pages

[@walterchiado1490]

Thank you for sharing this

[@raymondaudelo9716]

Great interview .

[@blankjo9113]

It feels almost like hearing Mark Twain passed away in today's world.

[@ryanlust1350]

One of the Greats!❤

[@dillardsiji]

That was my favorite book, too. Few people would say that.

[@DaNiyaHodge]

Rip Charles Joesph McCarthy Jr, you will be missed

[@YevgenyNY]

Thank you for sharing ! (

[@AmericanGwyn]

This is wonderful.

[@jeanviallet5549]

Very special memories

[@baTonkaTruck]

YES dude Child of God is my favorite as well. One of the most unbelievable pieces of writing in history, IMHO.

[@mikevanderheiden]

Very nice.

[@Ozgipsy]

“When I met Cormac I was working in a bar…”😂 Authors 😂

[@fay-amieaspen6046]

RIP Mr McCarthy

[@peterallen4663]

One of the strangest well written books I've ever read is,Child of God,nothing like it.

[@barbarajohnson1442]

OK, I'll hang in there. I had given up 1/2 way through....Suttree is by far my favorite, but all are deep and compelling.

[@peterallen4663]

@@barbarajohnson1442 Outer Dark and the Orchard Keeper are part of that Tennessee series,it's his use of language and ability to paint a scene I'm impressed with as a writer,Richard Ford is another great Southern writer as well,winner of the Pen Faulkner and Natl Book Award for one of his books, Independence Day,after,The Sports writer, brilliant word smith

[@barbarajohnson1442]

@peterallen4663 Thank you, Peter. I am a painter, and find the visuals that Cormac concocts are very earthy, I love how a wordsmith can do that. I am not knowledgeable about the writing traditions and genres, but I am inspired to learn. I will look into your recommendation. I paint demolitions, views from the train, the backsides, and marginal life of towns and find a kinship with McCarthy there.

[@daganmoriarty1973]

beautiful

[@Nasher-ti1wc]

RIP fella

[@brucegelman5582]

I think we have witnessed the passing of the last great American novelist.Hope Pynchon is doing well

[@fisherj5087]

RIP, Space Cowboy.

[@johnshannon9656]

OK, I thought this guy was a phony, but to say that you love "Child of God" gets you major points.

[@Tobearsch]

🖤

[@StevenBeck-i6y]

Passion is too fancy of a word

[@johnnorth6406]

All stories start, "I was working in a beer joint....."

[@sandiaYpescado]

“Half wit brother “. Ha ha.

[@bongofury333]

Loss of a National Treasure

[@Thegreatwarpotato24]

Sad day to learn that Cormac passed away.

[@Dispensational_David]

Did he say that he got books from Buffalo? I live in Buffalo, NY. Wonder if he lived here at one point ?

[@maxcannon642]

How is everyone this guy knows besides Cormac a lawyer…and he is one himself?

[@Trevor-j8i]

yes, he is a Knoxville lawyer.

[@raginald7mars408]

Bring me my Type Writer I had a BAD day today may be another to Morrow

[@richarcher499]

Wait did he say "Wild Gentry Man" or "Wild Ginger Man" at the end? I'm confused

[@Trevor-j8i]

Ginger.

[@greg6898]

Squirrrre

[@КотУченый-ц5з]

Sleep well grandpa. While your American descendants are rapping, we Russians are listening to you.

[@YevgenyNY]

Sincerely, I’m glad to hear that! Легендарный писатель и судя по всему классный дядька был (((

[@corbjones2738]

God, nothing like a sweeping generalization from across the world

[@wheelerking8380]

Whoever this Bozo is, he frightens me deeply

[@robertpirsig5011]

Yawn