Bradbury: Illustrated Life, a Journey to Far Metaphor

by Jerry Weist, Donn Albright (Foreword), Ray Bradbury (Introduction)

A stunning "visual biography" of one of the nation's greatest writers uses images from television, film, theatre, paintings, photographs, and book illustrations to chronicle the spectacular life and career of the science fiction icon.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Biography

208 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2002

Reviews

[Philip Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really amazed by all the illustrations collected that neatly tie together Bradbury's Life and work. As an avid Bradbury reader, some of the illustrations and photos brought back some recollections from growing up and some of the ways his work has enriched my view of the world. It was also interesting to learn more about his ties to other mediums, such as comic books, theatre and even, television. Most impressive was how in-depth this book was in such areas as sharing some of his key written correspondences and a journal covering the film adaptation of "Fahrenheit 451."

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome. I love the artwork and because I collect the different editions of Bradbury's books it is also useful to me. This is a book that I love to take down and look at from time to time and see how different artists interpreted the same stories.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

...A truly GREAT one!!!

[Jamey Boelhower · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a joy to read. I loved seeing all the art work that has been produced with Bradbury's work.

[Tomislav · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Bradbury; An Illustrated Life; A Journey to Far Metaphor” is a large hardcover, more than 10 inches by 11 inches, what we call a “coffee table” book. It is primarily the work of artist Jerry Weist with support and photography by archivist Donn Albright. Ray Bradbury himself wrote a brief introduction, as this was published in 2002, some years before his death in 2012.

It is organized topically around Bradbury’s early fanzine efforts, hardcover and paperback book covers, comics, radio and television and film, theater, and Bradbury’s own drawings and other artwork. What it does not include is any analysis or even any lists of his written work. I’ve been browsing the beautiful pictures in the book over the years since I bought it, and finally decided to try actually reading it cover to cover. Bah, I was right in the first case. The writing is simple hagiography, explaining very little about Bradbury. The reprinted artwork and photography are gorgeous and worth dipping in to, especially since Ray Bradbury is one of the few SF writers for whom I engage in that level of fandom. For example, I have been to Ray Bradbury Park in Waukegan to walk the ravine from his childhood that inspired the story contained in Dandelion Wine.

My rating (4/5) is based on the art in the book, brought down only by the useless writing that surrounds it.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Bradbury, so I was absolutely delighted to come across this big ole coffee table book ( love me some coffee table books!) browsing a local antiques mall. Brought it home, got overwhelmed by the 'lurid' cover, then plunged in. I came to understand why one reader on here complained about the reading format: this book starts a chapter, interrupts itself with pages of illustrations with long winded captions, and then returns to what it was saying in the chapter. Disconcerting at times!
I'm completely forgiving that because Bradbury worked with the authors to provide memorabilia and memories from his life to fill the pages with the fantastic story of his life in imagination. There are gobs of covers from editions of his works, exploration of movies and theater using his material, and just a good capture of an era that is sadly goneby.
I might have placed the captioned pictures later in the book since there are so many, so I could follow the narrative better. However, keeping the pictures in the chronological place with the narrative, within it, that makes sense too.
Thanks for a great book that probably made my entire year of book hunting.

[Melinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing in this book is horrendous. If you are a slavering Bradbury fan, you will probably love it pictures and all. Definitely for a collector of Bradbury's work who is interested in how it's been visualized by different artists. If that's you, this will fill that niche.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth 5 stars as a smaller, heavier-on-the-images coffee table book, but the text, while providing valuable context, slows things down enough to dampen the magic.

[David Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Art and photos related to Bradbury's career, with some (hagiographic) text. Inessential, but a nice compendium for fans. I especially liked seeing the covers of all the various paperback editions of his classic titles.

[Johnny Carruthers]

This was the last book I bought from Hawley-Cooke. I bought it the day they closed; a week before they reopened as Borders.