my investigation of ray bradbury’s life

Becoming Ray Bradbury by Jonathan R. Eller

This biography chronicles the beginning of Ray Bradbury’s life and career as a writer.

I got more detail than what I bargained for when reading this biography. I honestly can’t say I remember why I picked this up – I may have been looking for somewhere to start with Bradbury’s works.

“‘When he traveled, his novels got less interesting. The imaginings of a writer are more important than the realistic stuff they do.’”
Bradbury on Frederic Prokosch, Becoming Ray Bradbury by Jonathan R. Eller

What I can say I was interested the most in was…

Bradbury’s interest in different genres
the work Bradbury put in to be a published author

“For Bradbury, uncensored reading was the key to breaking historical cycles of intolerance: ‘Comprehension, identification, understanding, pity, mercy, love. To put your hand, freely, in a library, is to put out your blind hand and touch humanity.’ These were by no means original ideas, but he was taking a public position on books in a climate of fear that affected all aspects of publishing and reading in America.”
Becoming Ray Bradbury by Jonathan R. Eller

What bored me to death…

The interpersonal relationships with all the other authors, editors, publishers, etc. – I normally like reading about interpersonal relationships, but these details got kind of old.
The prozine/fanzine in-depth exploration
The books going to film drama

I’m definitely going to read some more of Bradbury’s lesser known works, but I’m certain I will not be reading Eller’s second part of Bradbury’s biography, Ray Bradbury Unbound. This is definitely a biographical series (3 in total) for those who are interested in prewar authors and extreme detail in Ray Bradbury.

Read on.

Alessandra is reading…