Ray Bradbury ​

Ray Douglas Bradbury was an American author and screenwriter. He is best known for his science fiction works including the classic novels Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles, and Something Wicked This Way Comes. His evocative and often poetic writing has influenced generations of readers and writers.

Quick Facts ​

• Works were translated into more than 36 languages.
• Sold over eight million copies of his books worldwide.
• The Illustrated Man has been in print since being published in 1951.
• Winner of the 2000 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.
• Had more than twenty-seven of his works adapted into films.

Background ​

Bradbury was born in 1920 in Waukegan, Illinois. Developed a love for science fiction and fantasy at a young age from reading authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, H. G. Wells, and Jules Verne. Bradbury moved with his family to Los Angeles in 1934, where he went to Los Angeles High School and was involved in the drama club. After graduating from high school, he didn't have the money to attend college, so he started to spend his days at the local library, and he decided to become a full time writer. His first paid piece, "Pendulum," was published in 1941 in Super Science Stories. Bradbury is best known for his dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and for the science fiction and horror stories gathered in The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951). He continued to write prolifically in different genres throughout his life and died in Los Angeles in 2012.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Bradbury is known for his distinctive writing style that blends reality with fantasy, horror, and science fiction. His work is characterized by poetic prose, imaginative descriptions, and social commentary. He explores themes such as censorship, fear, and the human response to technology, providing readers with a profound and oftentimes disturbing reflection of society. His impact includes popularizing science fiction and influencing countless authors and filmmakers.

Notable Works ​

• Fahrenheit 451 (1953)
• The Martian Chronicles (1950)
• Something Wicked This Way Comes (1962)
• The Illustrated Man (1951)
• Dandelion Wine (1957)