On November 7th, readers will be able to dig deep into Remembrance, Jonathan R. Eller’s 528 page collection of correspondence to and by Ray Bradbury, a rich trove of letters that illuminate the private world of the visionary who moved science fiction into the literary mainstream and inspired generations of writers—and scientists—with his unbounded curiosity. Although often labeled a science fiction writer, Bradbury’s most potent stories often deal with the sense of loneliness and loss inherent in being human and the desire to connect not only with others, but with the longings of our inner selves. These letters offer a sustained look at the man behind the pen and typewriter, an inveterate letter writer who took the queries of his readers and aspiring writers seriously, cared deeply about the future and its connection to the past, and was not shy about expressing his opinions.
Bradbury scholar and biographer Jonathan R. Eller is perfectly positioned to curate this collection, having spent much of his career focused on preserving and defining Bradbury’s legacy. Co-founder of the Center for Ray Bradbury Studies at Indiana University’s School of Liberal Arts, where he served as director for over a decade, Eller’s access to unexplored documents and his long personal and professional relationships with Bradbury and the people who knew and worked with him enrich the selection and organization of what is certain to be an essential addition to any Bradbury collection.
Dr. Eller is Chancellor’s Professor Emeritus of English, Indiana University’s School of Liberal Arts. He serves on the editorial board of The New Ray Bradbury Review and is Senior Textual Editor in the Institute for American Thought. His most recent books include the biographical trilogy Becoming Ray Bradbury, Ray Bradbury Unbound, and Bradbury Beyond Apollo (Choice Outstanding Academic Title for 2021). He recently served as editor for The Library of America’s two volume set, The Bradbury Collection.