Ray Bradbury was an American author, screenwriter, and playwright. He is best known for his dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451, as well as his science fiction and horror stories. Bradbury was born in Waukegan, Illinois in 1920 and began writing at a young age. He wrote his first short story at the age of 12 and published his first book, Dark Carnival, in 1947. Bradbury's works often explore themes of censorship, technology, and the power of imagination. He was a master of the short story form, and his works have been adapted into films, television shows, and plays. His stories often feature characters who are struggling to find their place in a world that is rapidly changing. Bradbury was a prolific writer, publishing more than 500 works in his lifetime. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2004 and the Pulitzer Prize Special Citation in 2007. He was also a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2002. Bradbury's legacy lives on in his works, which continue to inspire readers and writers alike. His stories are timeless, and his influence on the science fiction and fantasy genres is undeniable.