Unknown facts about Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury is remembered as one of the most imaginative writers of the 20th century, but his own life was filled with fascinating stories. From a magical encounter that changed his destiny to writing Fahrenheit 451 on a coin-operated typewriter, these lesser-known facts reveal the unusual experiences behind the celebrated author. (wikimedia commons)

A carnival performer changed his life: When Bradbury was 12, he met a carnival performer named Mr. Electrico, who touched him with an electrically charged sword and told him to “live forever.” Bradbury later regarded the encounter as a turning point that inspired him to write every day and pursue a life as an author. (wikimedia commons)

Fahrenheit 451 Cost Just $9.80 to Write: Bradbury wrote the first draft of Fahrenheit 451 in nine days using a coin-operated typewriter in the basement of UCLA's Powell Library. Each half-hour of typing cost a dime, so the entire first draft cost him just $9.80. The novel was initially called The Fireman. (amazon.in)

He Never Went to College: Bradbury never attended university. Instead, he spent years educating himself in libraries and reportedly wrote at least 1,000 words a day for decades. He famously considered the library his university and credited reading with giving him the education he needed to become a writer. (wikimedia commons)

He Predicted Earbuds and Giant Screens: Decades before wireless earbuds and wall-sized television screens became commonplace, Bradbury imagined “seashell” radios that sat inside the ears and “parlor walls” that filled rooms with entertainment. These details from Fahrenheit 451 are among the reasons his fiction is often described as remarkably prescient. (wikimedia commons)

He Turned His Hometown Into Fiction: Bradbury grew up in Waukegan, Illinois, a place he later transformed into the fictional “Green Town.” The town became the setting for works such as Dandelion Wine, allowing him to turn memories of his childhood summers into the backdrop for his stories. (wikimedia commons)

He Didn't Drive: Bradbury never learned to drive after witnessing a horrific car accident as a teenager. The experience left a lasting impression on him, and he remained wary of automobiles. His decision not to drive also became one of the many unusual details that set his life apart from that of many other American writers. (wikimedia commons)