Charles Bukowski

A drinker of mythic stature, Charles Bukowski-called Hank by his friends-is best known as an underground poet and novelist. His amusing, gritty and sometimes poignant writings have resonated deeply both here in the United States and abroad, inspiring a devoted cult following. Most of his many books of poetry and prose have been translated in over a dozen languages. Raised in the sun-washed streets of Los Angeles, Bukowski learned early in life that at the heart of American Dream was profound ambivalence and empty morality. His unique brand of alcohol-drenched irreverence and misadventure, tempered with social commentary, made Bukowski the voice of the poor and working-class. His most important works include Post Office, Ham On Rye, Mockingbird Wish Me Luck and the screenplay for the movie "Barfly." Bukowski died at home in Santa Barbara in1994 at the age of seventy-four.