Charles Bukowski

Charles Bukowski, born Heinrich Karl Bukowski on August 16, 1920, in Andernach, Germany, was a prolific American poet, novelist, and short story writer known for his raw, gritty, and often brutally honest depictions of urban life, alcohol, relationships, and the drudgeries of work. Bukowski’s family emigrated to the United States in 1923, and he grew up in Los Angeles, California, which would serve as the backdrop for much of his writing.

Bukowski’s early years were marked by hardship, including a troubled relationship with his abusive father and severe acne that left him scarred and withdrawn. He attended Los Angeles City College but dropped out to move to New York and begin his writing career. Initial attempts met with little success, leading Bukowski into a decade-long bender across the country, punctuated by menial jobs, broken relationships, and bouts of heavy drinking.

In 1969, John Martin of Black Sparrow Press offered to subsidize Bukowski’s writing career, allowing him to quit his job at the post office and write full-time. This led to an outpouring of work, including his famous novels "Post Office" and "Women," as well as numerous poetry collections. Bukowski's unvarnished, autobiographical style won him a cult following. Charles Bukowski passed away on March 9, 1994, but he remains one of the most influential voices in contemporary American literature, celebrated for his vivid storytelling and unique voice.