|
Ray Bradbury To Address Graduates
Renowned science fiction and fantasy writer Ray Bradbury will address Washington College's Class of 2001 at the College's 219th Commencement on May 20, 2001. The College will present Bradbury with an honorary doctor of letters.
The best-selling author of over 500 published works including short stories, novels, plays, film and television scripts, and verse, Bradbury is best known for his works The Martian Chronicles and Fahrenheit 451. In his work, Bradbury confronts themes such as racism, censorship, nuclear proliferation and technology's effect on human values through the medium of fantasy and science fiction. Critics credit Bradbury for having a greater moral and humanistic range than the label science fiction implies, saying his use of science fiction is a stage for a deeper understanding of the enduring reality of human nature.
Born in Waukegan, IL, in 1920, Bradbury began writing in his youth and published his first story professionally at age 20. He entered the professional writing life through the numerous science fiction and fantasy pulp magazines of the period and by 1947 had published his first collection of short stories, Dark Carnival. Bradbury's numerous awards include the O. Henry Award, the Benjamin Franklin Award, the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement and the 2000 PEN Lifetime Achievement Award. Bradbury lives in Los Angeles, CA.
"We are honored that Mr. Bradbury accepted our invitation to speak," said Dr. John Toll, president of Washington College. "His long record of literary achievement will be an inspiration to our students."
|
