Ray Bradbury, considered with Asimov, Clarke, and Heinlein to be one of the iconic figures of the classic science fiction era, died June 5, 2012, at the age of 91.
I first came across Bradbury’s stories in middle school, and was captivated (if sometimes mystified, given my age) by The Martian Chronicles. I read several other short story collections, including I Sing the Body Electric!; the title story briefly became one of my favorites. However, I found some of his work disturbing, even macabre. As I grew older, I discovered other science fiction and fantasy writers whose work spoke more directly and more clearly to me, and I put Bradbury’s books aside. In some ways, I regret having read Bradbury so young, when I was probably not mature enough to really understand his work; I focused on the surface story and only dimly sensed the meaning. Perhaps one day I’ll pick up The Martian Chronicles or I Sing the Body Electric! and read with an adult sensibility; until then, I’ll continue to remember my favorite stories fondly.
Rest in peace, Mr. Bradbury.
If you are interested in reading about Ray Bradbury’s life and works, try the following:
“Brought Mars to Earth with a Lyrical Mastery”. The New York Times, obituary section
“Ray Bradbury”. Wikipedia article
