Ray Bradbury
How Not to Burn a Book; or, 1984 Will Not Arrive, 2002
Louisville: Contre Coup Press
One of twenty-seven copies.
1542
Octavo. (vi), 60pp. A fine reprinting of a lecture delivered by Bradbury on April 16, 1975 at the University of California, Santa Barbara during National Library Week, and was subsequently...
Octavo. (vi), 60pp. A fine reprinting of a lecture delivered by Bradbury on April 16, 1975 at the University of California, Santa Barbara during National Library Week, and was subsequently published in the University's library journal. As the title suggests, Bradbury set himself up, avidly and candidly, as an advocate for the arts, which he describes as his loves. He begins his remarks with a statement on hope, namely, that the world has always been on the verge of ending, but the end never seems to arrive. This is not to defray or delay the urgency of social problems and injustices. Rather, he defines a way of living, encouraged by and persistent in books, theatre, and films, narrating his own career as an example. He concludes, "There's always war and stupidity throughout the whole history of the world. No history is a good history, politically speaking, but on a personal level there have always been creative people." The books will not burn, and 1984 will not come, as long as people keep creating. Printed in black, brown, and red. Bound in quarter red cloth with patterned paper over boards. Fine.