Image: Wikimedia Commons. Photo by Alan Light.
There’s something in science fiction fandom’s eye today.
Ray Bradbury, whose works spanned decades and generations, has died at the age of 91.
Endless tales of Martians, book-burning firemen, mummies, robots, rocket-men, invading mushrooms and so much more sprang from Bradbury’s imagination, and his influence in the genre is practically impossible to overstate. For many people – myself included – Bradbury opened a doorway to science fiction, fantasy, and worlds beyond. it should be noted that Bradbury eschewed the “science fiction” label himself, and argued that most of his work was truly fantasy.
A prolific writer, Bradbury worked in a wide range of formats. His bibliography includes 11 novels, 54 short stories, 21 plays, more than 25 screen/teleplays, and 12 children’s books.
When he was twelve years old, Bradbury was knighted at a carnival by “fantastic creator of marvels” Mr. Electrico.
“When he reached me, he pointed his sword at my head and touched my brow,” Bradbury wrote. “The electricity rushed down the sword, inside my skull, made my hair stand up and sparks fly out of my ears. He then shouted at me, “Live forever!”
You will, Mr. Bradbury.
[Note: Ken Denmead contributed to this post]
