Charles Bukowski was born on August 16, 1920 in Andernach, Germany. His father was a brutal and abusive man, leading to a difficult childhood for Bukowski. His family eventually moved to Los Angeles when he was just a young boy, where he would spend the majority of his life.
Bukowski had a tumultuous start to his career, facing struggles with his writing and trying to find his voice. During World War II, he was suspected of draft dodging and was arrested by FBI agents in Philadelphia. He spent nearly a month in prison, an experience that greatly impacted his work in the years to come.
Despite his rough start, Bukowski went on to become a prolific writer of novels, poems, short stories, and screenplays. Known for his gritty, raw style, he quickly gained recognition for his works of dirty realism and transgressive fiction. Some of his most famous works include Factotum, The Last Night of the Earth Poems, Notes of a Dirty Old Man, and Barfly. His poetry often delved into themes of love, alcoholism, Los Angeles, and poverty.
Bukowski's personal life was just as tumultuous as his writing. In his memoir Ham on Rye, he recounted his difficult childhood with an abusive father. Despite these challenges, he married Linda Lee Beighle, the owner of a health food restaurant, nine years before his death from leukemia. The couple had a daughter named Marina.
Charles Bukowski's work continues to have a lasting impact on literature and popular culture. His raw and unfiltered style has inspired countless writers and artists. Actor Mickey Rourke famously portrayed him in the 1984 film Barfly, bringing his story to a wider audience. Bukowski's work remains a testament to the power of honesty and authenticity in art.