Charles Bukowski Biography: Charles Bukowski was born in Germany on August 16, 1920. He composed poetry, novels, and short stories. Bukowski composed close to sixty volumes, including thousands of poems, hundreds of short stories, and six novels. His writings capturing his experience, emotion, and imagination earned him cult status. “Time” dubbed him “Laureate of American Lowlife” for his significant contributions to American literature. Let’s recognise this literary icon today.
Charles Bukowski Birthday
Henry Charles Bukowski was born in Andernach, Germany, on August 16, 1920, to Heinrich Henry Bukowski and Katharina Bukwoski. They ultimately relocated to the South Central region of Los Angeles. His early childhood memories were traumatic due to his abusive father, the cruel remarks of neighbourhood boys, and the Great Depression. He attended Los Angeles City College after graduating from Los Angeles High School to pursue his interests in art, journalism, and literature. After two years of education, he dropped out to pursue a blue-collar career in New York.
In 1944, he published his first piece, a short story titled “Aftermath of a Protracted Rejection.” His second short story, “20 Tanks from Kasseldown,” was published in 1946. Bukowski embarked on a 10-year journey after failing to achieve success with his printed works. The period was marked by excessive imbibing and travel. During this time, the foundation for his subsequent semi-autobiographical novels was laid. Bukowski was given a second opportunity in 1955 after recovering from a life-threatening bleeding ulcer. After his near-death experience, he continued to write poetry as part of his literary vocation.
His poetry and short stories, which were predominantly semi-autobiographical and centred on the life of the impoverished author Henry Chinaski, earned him cult status very rapidly. His first collection of poetry, “Flower, Fist, and Bestial Wail,” was published in 1959. The book was praised for its free verses that captured the sensation of desolation and abandonment so beautifully. In the same year, he wrote his most famous essay, “Manifesto: A Call for Own Critics.” Bukowski’s career flourished as a prolific author of poetry collections, magazine and newspaper columns, novels, etc. In 1969, he accepted Black Sparrow Press’ offer to become a full-time writer, causing him to leave his post office job permanently. A month later, he completed “Post Office,” his semi-autobiographical debut novel. Bukowski’s literary career flourished in the 1970s, when he published a large volume of poetry and fiction through tiny, independent presses. “Barfly,” which was released in 1984, marked Bukowski’s début as a screenwriter during the 1980s.
In 1955, Bukowski wed Barbara Frye, a poet from a small Texas community. In 1958, the marriage was dissolved. Later, he and his live-in partner Francis Smith had a daughter named Marina Louise. He wed Linda Lee Beighle for the second time in 1985. Bukowski died of leukaemia on March 9, 1994, in San Pedro at the age of 73, shortly after completing his final novel, “Pulp.” “Pulp,” like his previous poetry collection “The Last Night of the Earth Poems,” dealt with the topic of mortality with a biting sense of humour.
Charles Bukowski Net Worth, Height
Name | Henry Charles Bukowski |
Nickname | Buk, Hank |
Birth date | August 16, 1920 |
Death date | March 9, 1994 (age 73) |
Zodiac Sign | Leo |
Height | 6′ 0″ |
Net Worth | $4 million |
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Charles Bukowski Biography: 5 SURPRISE FACTS
According to him, he felt better the further he was from other people.
As a result of his laziness during his journalism course at L.A. City College, he was not hired.
Bukowski’s cat was named Minx.
In “Born into This,” Bukowski’s wife Linda revealed his disdain of Mickey Mouse, specifically his three fingers.
As a struggling author who resided in filthy hotel rooms, he scarcely managed to survive, eating only one penny candy bar per day.