Date of Birth: August 16, 1920
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: March 9, 1994
Biography
Charles Bukowski, born Heinrich Karl Bukowski, was an influential American poet, novelist, and short story writer. Born on August 16, 1920, in Andernach, Germany, Bukowski moved to the United States with his family when he was just two years old. They settled in Los Angeles, California, a city that would become the backdrop for much of his work. Bukowski’s writing is characterized by its gritty, raw depiction of urban life and the human condition. He often drew from his own experiences, writing candidly about his struggles with alcoholism, relationships, and the mundane aspects of blue-collar life. His first major publication was a poem in “Story” magazine in 1944, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that he gained wider recognition, largely due to his association with Black Sparrow Press. Throughout his career, Bukowski published over 60 books, including poetry collections like “Love is a Dog from Hell” and novels such as “Post Office” and “Factotum.” His unique voice and unfiltered portrayal of life’s darker sides earned him a cult following, and he remains an enduring figure in American literature.
5 Interesting Facts about Charles Bukowski
1. Charles Bukowski’s first novel, “Post Office,” was written in just three weeks.
2. He worked for over a decade at the United States Postal Service, which inspired much of his writing.
3. Bukowski published his first story when he was 24 but did not achieve widespread recognition until his 50s.
4. He was known for his prolific output, often writing for several hours each day.
5. Bukowski’s work has been translated into over a dozen languages and continues to be popular worldwide.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles Bukowski
1. “Find what you love and let it kill you.”
2. “Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead.”
3. “The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence.”
4. “You have to die a few times before you can really live.”
5. “What matters most is how well you walk through the fire.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the height of his career, Charles Bukowski’s net worth was estimated to be around $4 million.
Children
Charles Bukowski had one daughter, Marina Louise Bukowski, born in 1964, with his partner Frances Smith.
Relevant Links
1. [Charles Bukowski on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bukowski
2. [The Charles Bukowski Society](http://bukowski.net/
3. [Poetry Foundation Profile](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/charles-bukowski
4. [Charles Bukowski on Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10641.Charles_Bukowski
5. [Black Sparrow Press](https://www.blacksparrowbooks.com
