Poet With Mud In His Gun (Press, 15 August 1981)
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Summary: Poet With Mud In His Gun (Press, 15 August 1981)
In his review of Clive James's book "Charles Charming’s Challenges on the Pathway to the Throne," published in 1981, Naylor Hillary highlights the mixed reactions from critics. Paul Theroux's review in the "Sunday Times" describes James as having a "curious ambition to be a famous Australian," while accusing him of being both pompous and overly familiar in his style. This sentiment is echoed by other British reviewers who view James's long poem as an attempt to capitalise on the excitement surrounding the recent Royal wedding. The poem, spanning 2,500 lines, is generally seen as vulgar and trite, although it does contain a few commendable couplets and humorous moments. The book has drawn criticism for its inconsistent tone; reviewers argue that James should either have maintained his satirical approach towards the Royals throughout the piece or offered unreserved praise. Despite the overwhelming negative reviews, the left-leaning "New Statesman" defended the poem, finding it engaging and amusing, characterising Charles as a "diffident, puzzled Action Man." James is noted for his astute observations on the role of Prince Charles, with lines reflecting on the importance of constitutional monarchy. The review quotes passages where James critiques non-monarchical rule, successfully capturing the nuanced perspective of a constitutional lawyer—albeit with less elegance. James's depiction of Australia is also emphasised, with the character of media mogul Kerry Packer referred to as "Packmule," who greets Charles in a rather casual manner. The poem introduces a wide range of characters, some under whimsical aliases, which can become tiresome for readers unfamiliar with them. Hillary points out that while James has moments of success, such as a humorous scene involving Prince Charles driving a tank into a pond, much of the content is not as polished or engaging. There is a conclusion that a more succinct piece would have benefitted the overall impact of the poem. Additionally, the book is accompanied by a record and features a caricature of Prince Charles illustrated by Marc, which has sold out on souvenir mugs, even if the book and record themselves are said to be selling slowly in Britain.
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