Read Ray Bradbury’s Fan Letter To Robert A. Heinlein
There’s no arguing that science fiction author and pioneer Ray Bradbury not only revolutionized the genre but helped move it forward from pulp entertainment to legitimate art. So when we hear about Ray Bradbury showering praise on a fellow science fiction author, it’s worth paying attention.
In a post on BoingBoing, a newly discovered letter of appreciation from Ray Bradbury to author Robert A. Heinlein is touching, beautiful, and well-written.
It’s not often that we see a science fiction icon like Ray Bradbury devote so much love to someone who influenced him. The letter was part of The Houston Press’ coverage of Comicpalooza 2011. Read the transcribed letter below:
DEAR BOB:
YOUR INFLUENCE ON US ALL, FROM 1939 ON, CANNOT BE MEASURED. I CAN ONLY SAY I REMEMBER, WARMLY, YOUR MANY KINDNESSES TO ME WHEN I WAS 19–20–21 YEARS OLD. THAT YOUNG MAN BASKED IN YOUR LIGHT AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE GRATEFUL FOR THE HELP YOU OFFERED WHEN I WAS SO POOR & NEEDFUL! YOURS IN THAT MEMORY — RAY BRADBURY
AUG – 1976
Along with Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke, Robert A. Heinlein is one of the “Big Three” of science fiction. It’s easy to see why Ray Bradbury would have found massive influence here. Heinlein’s most popular work is his 1959 novel Starship Troopers, which director Paul Verhoeven adapted into a movie in 1997. In 1974, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Association named Heinlein the first Science Fiction Writers Grand Master.
He also published other works, such as Stranger in a Strange Land and The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress. Heinlein is often credited with initiating the “Golden Age” of science fiction and popularizing topics like space exploration, futuristic societies, and speculative satire.
Ray Bradbury might have transitioned better into American pop culture than Heinlein, but the latter’s influence on science fiction as a genre cannot be measured, so it’s good to see Ray Bradbury giving credit where credit is due.
