Farewell, RAY BRADBURY!
One of the biggest names in speculative fiction, RAY BRADBURY, died today at the age of 91.
He was the author of such classics as FAHRENHEIT 451, THE MARTIAN CHRONICLES, THE ILLUSTRATED MAN and SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES. His work transcended genres.
Mr. Bradbury was one of a kind, and several of his stories and novels are truly poetic.
He’ll be missed by a lot of us.
June 7, 2012 at 6:16 am
Just before leaving LA, I went to a talk/signing he was doing at a local library (rumor has it he never turned down a favor for a library). He was already in ill health, his sight was failing, his hearing was failing, but he gave such a wonderful, enthusiastic talk with more energy than people half his age. Bill sent me with a copy of the magazine he had his first cover story in. When it was my turn in line and I handed him the magazine, he started showing it off to everyone around him, talking about with the same joy I can imagine he had the first day it came out on the stands.
I have no doubt this man led an amazingly full life, all the way up to the end. I envy him, and hope to lead a life with the same kind of joy and wonder (except I’m going to drive).
June 7, 2012 at 7:24 am
Ray Bradbury was the first writer to profoundly convince me that I wanted to be a writer. I was privileged to see him speak in small venues several times, and at a roast for Harlan Ellison (which seems like a fever dream now – that event also had Robert Bloch, David Gerrold and Robin Williams) – Ray told great stories, many from his own experiences (several about working on Moby Dick with John Huston). On my 50th birthday, my wife took me to Musso & Frank’s in Hollywood for dinner – who should enter but Ray Bradbury and two friends. My wife suggested I buy him a drink, and I had the waiter tell them a round was on me – Bradbury smiled and waved – it was a fine way to round out a birthday… The world is poorer for him being gone, but I have all these books of his on my shelves – works that also fill my mind and heart. RIP, Ray.