Charles Bukowski's Life And Accomplishments

Charles Bukowski was born into the world on August 16, 1920 in Andernach, Germany. Only three years after his birth, his family decided to board a steamship and move to America. He was a relatively well behaved kid, attending the San Marino Grammar School and Virginia Road Elementary School without any major problems. Unfortunately, during Junior High School he broke out in a severe case of Acne Vulgaris, separating him from most of his peers. Because Charles had a lot of free time, he started to read more and visit the town’s library often. There he wrote his first short story on a World War 1 pilot. Bukowski continues his education to high school, frequently reading and writing short stories and poems. He transferred to Los Angeles High School, graduating in 1939. Bukowski’s childhood gave the impression of a successful life ahead.

Bukowski left for New York, pursuing his passion of writing short stories. He wrote hundreds of unsuccessful short stories while moving from city to city working as an unskilled laborer, bouncing from different jobs such as a warehouseman, elevator operator, and post office clerk. After his first story to be published appeared in a Story magazine, he put an end to his writing career. He was unmotivated and burnt-out, preferring to live on skid row as an alcoholic. After around 10 years of nonstop drinking and blurry nights, he was hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer. He concluded his drinking and vowed to turn his life around. He threw himself into writing poetry to get himself on the right course. Charles’ life took a turn for the worse, yet he was able to recognize his mistake and right