NAME Ray Douglas Bradbury
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Ray Bradbury is famous for being a prolific American author and screenwriter, best known for his dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451 and his science fiction and fantasy short story collections, such as The Martian Chronicles.
BIRTH Ray Bradbury was born on August 22, 1920, in Waukegan, Illinois, USA.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Bradbury was the son of Leonard Spaulding Bradbury, a power and telephone lineman, and Esther Moberg Bradbury, a Swedish immigrant. He had three older siblings.
CHILDHOOD Bradbury's childhood was marked by a love of reading and fascination with fantasy, horror, and science fiction. He spent much time at the local library and was heavily influenced by the works of Edgar Allan Poe, H.G. Wells, and Jules Verne.
His childhood in the small town of Waukegan, Illinois later became the inspiration for his fictional town of Green Town.
His family moved to Los Angeles, California, during the Great Depression when he was around 13 years old.
EDUCATION Bradbury graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1938. His high school graduation attire was a borrowed suit with a bullet hole (courtesy of his murdered uncle).
Instead of pursuing further formal education, he was a self-taught writer, learning from reading books at the library and writing every day.
Throughout his life, Bradbury championed libraries with the zeal of a knight defending his castle, crediting them for much of his education and the spark that ignited his love for storytelling.
CAREER RECORD Bradbury began his writing career with short stories in pulp magazines in the early 1940s.
His first major book, The Martian Chronicles, was published in 1950, establishing him as a leading figure in science fiction.
Bradbury also wrote screenplays, including the adaptation of Moby Dick for director John Huston, and worked on television scripts, such as episodes for The Twilight Zone.
Writing wasn't just a job for Bradbury, it was a delicious obsession. He gushed about the magic of weaving tales, of conjuring entire universes with the flick of a pen (or the clack of a typewriter key).
APPEARANCE Ray Bradbury was described as having a boyish appearance with short stature and bright eyes. He was often seen with a wide smile, and an expressive face. Bradbury had a friendly and approachable demeanor.
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| Bradbury in 1959 |
FASHION Bradbury's fashion sense was casual and practical, often opting for colorful, comfortable clothing that reflected his creative and unpretentious personality.
CHARACTER Bradbury was known for his boundless imagination, enthusiasm, and kindness. Optimistic, with a strong sense of wonder, he was deeply passionate about literature and the arts, with a lifelong commitment to promoting creativity and literacy. Bradbury was deeply concerned about the dangers of censorship and technology misuse.
SENSE OF HUMOUR Bradbury had a warm and engaging sense of humor, often infusing his conversations and public appearances with wit and a playful spirit.
RELATIONSHIPS Bradbury married Marguerite McClure in 1947, and they remained together until her death in 2003. The couple had four daughters: Susan, Ramona, Bettina, and Alexandra. His family was a central part of his life, and he often spoke lovingly of his wife and children.
MONEY AND FAME Bradbury achieved considerable fame and financial success through his writing. His works sold millions of copies worldwide and were translated into numerous languages. He received many prestigious awards and honors throughout his career.
FOOD AND DRINK Bradbury enjoyed simple, home-cooked meals and had a particular fondness for traditional American cuisine. He was not known for indulging in extravagant culinary habits.
MUSIC AND ARTS Bradbury had a deep appreciation for music and the arts, often incorporating references to classical music and fine arts into his writing. He was friends with many artists and musicians and supported arts education.
LITERATURE Literature was Bradbury's greatest passion. He was a voracious reader and prolific writer, drawing inspiration from classic literature, mythology, and contemporary works. He admired the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Ray Cummings, and Aldous Huxley.
His own contributions to literature have been celebrated for their imaginative and poetic qualities.
Ray Bradbury's writing career began not with a bang, but with a crackle of electricity. Inspired by a carnival magician named Mr. Electrico who, get this, sat in an electric chair and took a jolt of 50,000 volts (not recommended for home entertainment!), a twelve-year-old Bradbury started putting pen to paper.
His early work, much like the man himself, was a spark in a pulpy world. Short stories found homes in fanzines – those mimeographed magazines for sci-fi fanatics – and other periodicals, the literary equivalent of a dusty attic hideaway.
The first published story, oh so thrillingly titled Hollerbochen's Dilemma, arrived in 1938. The 1940s saw Bradbury churning out stories like a kid with a bottomless bag of candy (incidentally, a recurring theme in his work).
Then came 1947, a banner year for Bradbury. His first major collection, Dark Carnival, arrived, a literary coming-out party. Truman Capote, yes, that Truman Capote, unearthed one of Bradbury's stories from a slush pile at Mademoiselle magazine (imagine the literary equivalent of an archaeological dig) and gave it the green light. The story, Homecoming, even scored a place in the prestigious O. Henry Awards anthology.
But the real rocket ride started in 1950 with The Martian Chronicles. This sci-fi masterpiece explored humanity, war, and the whole Mars colonization business, captivating readers with its vivid imagination.
Next came, The Veldt, Ray Bradbury's classic sci-fi tale. The story follows a family whose futuristic home has a virtual reality room called the Nursery. At first, the Nursery is a source of joy and wonder for the family's children. But as time goes on, the Nursery starts to reflect their darkest desires, turning into a nightmare. The short story was published originally as The World the Children Made in the September 23, 1950 issue of The Saturday Evening Post. It was later republished in the anthology The Illustrated Man as The Veldt the following year.
It was followed by Fahrenheit 451, a book born in the unlikeliest of places: the UCLA library basement. Bradbury, ever the resourceful writer, rented a typewriter for a dime every half hour and banged out a novella called "The Firemen" in a mere nine days. The cost for this literary feat? A cool $9.80. Publishers, ever the pushy bunch, convinced him to expand it, and "Fahrenheit 451" – a chilling dystopia about censorship and the suppression of free thought – was unleashed on the world on October 19, 1953.
And for a truly unique twist, Bradbury even released a limited edition of Fahrenheit 451 with a fireproof asbestos cover. Signed, of course. These collector's items rarely go for less than ten grand – a testament to the enduring power of both Bradbury's work and the allure of a book that can literally withstand the heat.
NATURE Bradbury had a profound respect for nature, often reflecting on humanity's relationship with the natural world in his works. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and appreciated the beauty of the natural environment.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Bradbury enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including collecting books, attending theater performances, and exploring museums. He was also an avid supporter of space exploration and had a keen interest in astronomy. Bradbury enjoyed attending science fiction conventions and interacting with fans.
SCIENCE AND MATHS While Bradbury was not a scientist, he had a strong interest in science, particularly astronomy and space travel. His works often explored scientific themes and speculated on future technological advancements.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Bradbury's writings frequently addressed philosophical and theological themes, exploring concepts of human existence, morality, and the search for meaning. He was a humanist and believed in the potential for human creativity and progress.
SCANDAL Bradbury's life was relatively free from scandal. He maintained a reputation for integrity and professionalism throughout his career.
MILITARY RECORD During World War II, he was rejected for service due to poor eyesight.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Bradbury faced various health challenges in his later years, including a stroke that left him partially dependent on a wheelchair. Despite this, he continued to write and participate in public events.
HOMES Bradbury lived in several homes throughout his life, including a long-time residence in Los Angeles, California. His homes were often filled with books, art, and memorabilia reflecting his diverse interests.
TRAVEL Bradbury traveled extensively, both within the United States and internationally. He attended literary conferences, book signings, and speaking engagements around the world, sharing his love for writing and storytelling.
DEATH Ray Bradbury passed away on June 5, 2012, at the age of 91, in Los Angeles,. He left behind a legacy as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Bradbury appeared in numerous documentaries, and television programs throughout his life. He was frequently interviewed and participated in discussions about science fiction and literature.
His works have been adapted into films, TV shows, and stage plays, further cementing his impact on popular culture. inspired by the works of Ray Bradbury
ACHIEVEMENTS Ray Bradbury's achievements include the publication of over 600 short stories, 30 books, and numerous essays and plays. He received the National Medal of Arts, a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, among many other honors.
The HTTP error code 451 – "Unavailable For Legal Reasons" – is a nod to Bradbury's dystopian masterpiece, Fahrenheit 451, Seems even the internet bows to the power of a good book (or, more accurately, the terrifying consequences of a world without them).
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