Richard Brautigan

Date of Birth: January 30, 1935

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: September 16, 1984

Biography

Richard Brautigan was an American novelist, poet, and short story writer best known for his idiosyncratic works that blend surrealism, satire, and societal commentary. Born in Tacoma, Washington, Brautigan moved to San Francisco in the 1950s, where he became associated with the Beat Generation. His most famous work, “Trout Fishing in America” (1967), became a countercultural classic and cemented his place in American literature. Brautigan’s writing often explored themes of nature, existentialism, and the human condition, characterized by a whimsical and often melancholic tone. Despite his literary success, Brautigan struggled with mental health issues and alcoholism throughout his life. He continued to write and publish until his untimely death in 1984.

5 Interesting Facts about Richard Brautigan

1. Richard Brautigan’s “Trout Fishing in America” has been translated into over 20 languages.

2. He was considered a “gentle poet” of the 1960s counterculture movement.

3. Brautigan had a profound influence on contemporary writers like Haruki Murakami and Tom Robbins.

4. He often used unconventional forms and structures in his poetry and prose.

5. Brautigan was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1968.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard Brautigan

1. “All of us have a place in history. Mine is clouds.”

2. “I have always wanted to write a book that ended with the word ‘Mayonnaise.’”

3. “It’s strange how the simple things in life go on while we become more difficult.”

4. “Sometimes life is merely a matter of coffee and whatever intimacy a cup of coffee affords.”

5. “I drank coffee and read old books and waited for the year to end.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career in the 1970s, Richard Brautigan’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.

Children

Richard Brautigan had one daughter, Ianthe Elizabeth Brautigan, born in 1960. Ianthe is also a writer and has penned memoirs reflecting on her father’s life and legacy.