Ray Bradbury

American Science Fiction Writer

Night School Fall 2011

Biography

Born Aug. 22, 1920 in Waukegan Illinois

Author of science fiction short stories, novels, poetry, radio drama, television, and screenplays

His stories blend social criticism with an awareness of the hazards of runaway technology.

Started writing 4 hours a day @ age 12

His first story sold @ age 21

Best-known novels: The Martian

Chronicles (1950) The Illustrated Man

(1951) Fahrenheit 451 (1953)

About Bradbury

Bradbury is one of the most celebrated among 20th and 21st century American writers of speculative fiction and has been described as a Midwest surrealist. Many of Bradbury's works have been adapted into television shows or films.

From 1985 to 1992 Bradbury hosted a syndicated anthology television series, The Ray Bradbury Theater, for which he adapted 65 of his stories. Each episode would begin with a shot of Bradbury in his office, gazing over mementoes of his life, which he states (in narrative) are used to spark ideas for stories. During the first two seasons, Bradbury also provided additional voiceover narration specific to the featured story and appeared on screen.

On November 17, 2004, Bradbury was the recipient of the National Medal of Arts, presented by President George W. Bush and Laura Bush.

Bradbury wrote well into his 90’s by dictating his words to his daughter for 3 hours a day

Bradbury passed away, at age 91, June 5, 2012.