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The Illustrated Man

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'The Illustrated Man' by Ray Bradbury is a collection of short stories that delve into futuristic scenarios, exploring themes of human nature, technology, and society. The stories are interconnected through the framing device of an illustrated man covered in tattoos, where each tattoo comes to life and tells a unique story. Bradbury's writing style is described as nostalgic yet visionary, using colorful words and vivid imagery to transport readers to different worlds and provoke thought on the potential future of mankind.

Characters:

The characters in the stories often serve to highlight societal issues and themes rather than being fully developed individuals.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by vivid, poetic prose that evokes strong imagery and emotions.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is centered around a man with tattoos that tell various short stories, each exploring different aspects of humanity and society.

Setting:

The settings are primarily futuristic, dealing with themes relevant to the mid-20th century, including space exploration and societal issues.

Pacing:

The pacing varies widely, with some stories being quick and engaging while others take a more contemplative approach.
IT was a warm afternoon in early September when I first met the Illustrated Man. Walking along an asphalt road, I was or the final leg of a two weeks’ walking tour of Wisconsin. Late in the afternoon ...

Notes:

The Illustrated Man is a collection of short stories rather than a novel.
Each story in the collection is tied to a tattoo on the title character's body.
The stories explore various themes such as technology, human psychology, and social issues.
Many of the stories are set in a futuristic or sci-fi context, including Mars and space travel.
The opening story, "The Veldt," addresses parenting and technology's impact on family dynamics.
"Kaleidoscope" is about astronauts facing death and reflecting on their lives in space.
"The Other Foot" presents a scenario of reverse racism on Mars, which was provocative for its time.
The collection was published in 1951 and reflects the fears and societal issues of that era.
Bradbury's writing is noted for its vivid imagery and poetic language, creating a unique reading experience.
The character of the Illustrated Man is said to have been inspired by Bradbury's experiences with a tattooed man at a carnival.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, psychological distress, racial tension, and existential dread.

From The Publisher:

The Illustrated Man, a seminal work in Ray Bradbury's career, whose extraordinary power and imagination remain undimmed by time's passage, is available from Simon & Schuster for the first time.

Ray Bradbury brings wonders alive. For this peerless American storyteller, the most bewitching force in the universe is human nature. In these eighteen startling tales unfolding across a canvas of tattooed skin, living cities take their vengeance, technology awakens the most primal natural instincts, and dreams are carried aloft in junkyard rockets. Provocative and powerful, The Illustrated Man is a kaleidoscopic blending of magic, imagination, and truth-as exhilarating as interplanetary travel, as maddening as a walk in a million-year rain, and as comforting as simple, familiar rituals on the last night of the world.

Ratings (33)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (17)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (7)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (54):

Read It (34)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (16)
Not Interested (3)

2 comment(s)

Did Not Like
1 week

If it had stated clearly on my book app that this audiobook was a short story collection I would have stayed away from it. I like Ray Bradbury's writing style and in many ways he can draw you into his stories. But still it wasn't for me

 
Loved It
8 months

Beautifully written classic by Bradbury - Made me cry

 

About the Author:

Ray Bradbury (1920-2012) was the author of more than three dozen books, including Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles, The Illustrated Man, and Something Wicked This Way Comes, as well as hundreds of short stories. He wrote for the theater, cinema, and TV, including the screenplay for John Huston's Moby Dick and the Emmy Award-winning teleplay The Halloween Tree, and adapted for television sixty-five of his stories for The Ray Bradbury Theater. He was the recipient of the 2000 National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, the 2007 Pulitzer Prize Special Citation, and numerous other honors.

 
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