Charles Bukowski

Heinrich Karl Bukowski was born on August 16th in Andernach, Prussia, Weimar Germany, to German-American parents who had met following World War I.

Bukowski's family sailed from Bremerhaven to Baltimore, Maryland in April, settling in the United States where he would spend his formative years.

Attended Susan Miller Dorsey High School in Los Angeles for one year before graduating to Los Angeles High School in 1939.

Graduated from Los Angeles High School and began attending Los Angeles City College for two years, studying art, journalism, and literature.

Completed his education at Los Angeles City College before moving to New York City with dreams of becoming a writer.

Was arrested by FBI agents on July 22nd in Philadelphia, suspected of draft evasion due to his German birth and the war effort.

Failed a psychological examination and received a Selective Service Classification of 4-F (unfit for military service) after being held for 17 days.

Lived in Los Angeles, working at a pickle factory and roaming the U.S. during the 1950s.

Bukowski spent almost a decade without writing after his early publications, largely due to personal struggles and creative blockage.

Treated for a near-fatal bleeding ulcer in the spring of that year.

Was divorced from his first wife, Barbara Frye.

Several of Bukowski's poems were published in Gallows, a small poetry magazine, marking the beginning of his literary career.

Nomad's inaugural issue featured two of Bukowski's poems, showcasing his emerging talent as a poet and writer.

E.V. Griffith published Bukowski's first separately printed publication, a broadside titled 'His Wife, the Painter', in June, marking an important milestone in his career.

Hearse Press published 'Flower, Fist and Bestial Wail', Bukowski's first chapbook of poems, which further solidified his reputation as a writer.

The death of Jane Cooney Baker, Bukowski's first serious girlfriend, inspired a series of poems and stories that captured the intensity of their relationship.

Bukowski performed live readings on radio station KPFK in Los Angeles, showcasing his unique style and connecting with a local audience.

The Outsider magazine featured some of Bukowski's poetry under the Loujon Press imprint, providing him with an opportunity to reach a wider audience.

Explaination of the phrase 'Don't Try' to John William Corrington (John William Corrington was a friend, and poet) :

Hearse Press published 'Coffin 1', an innovative small-poetry publication consisting of forty-two broadsides and lithographs, which demonstrated Bukowski's unique style and creativity.

Marina Louise Bukowski, Bukowski's only child, was born to him and his live-in girlfriend Frances Smith, marking a significant personal milestone in his life.

Began writing the column 'Notes of a Dirty Old Man' for Los Angeles' Open City.

Open City was shut down, prompting Bukowski to pick up coverage with the Los Angeles Free Press and NOLA Express in New Orleans.

Launched his own short-lived mimeographed literary magazine, Laugh Literary and Man the Humping Guns with Neeli Cherkovski.

Accepted an offer from Black Sparrow Press publisher John Martin to leave his post office job and dedicate himself to full-time writing at age 49.

Hugh Fox published the first critical study of Bukowski in The North American Review, providing a detailed analysis of his work and influence.

In 1972 with Joe Wolberg at City Lights Books in San Francisco :

In an interview about Los Angeles as his favorite subject, Bukowski shared his love for the city and its gritty, raw energy.

On November 18th, Bukowski delivered a sold-out show at Amazingrace Coffeehouse in Evanston, Illinois, where he signed and illustrated over 100 copies of his poem 'Winter', demonstrating his dedication to connecting with fans.

In May 1978 in Hamburg, West Germany (released as a double 12

In October 1979 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (released on DVD) :

In early 1980 at Redondo Beach, CA after the one in Vancouver, BC :