The Illustrated Man

Fiction | Short Story Collection | Adult | Published in 1951

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The Illustrated Man

Genre: Science fiction; short stories
Originally Published: 1951
Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 680L; young adult and adult
Structure/Length: Collection of 18 short stories with prologue and epilogue; approx. 304 pages; approx. 9 hours and 26 minutes on audio
Protagonist/Central Conflict: The Illustrated Man is a collection of interconnected science fiction short stories with varying central conflicts. The titular character, the Illustrated Man, is covered in animated tattoos that tell the stories of his past and future. Each story delves into different futuristic scenarios, exploring themes of technology, morality, humanity, and the consequences of human actions.
Potential Sensitivity Issues: Science fiction; futuristic concepts; moral dilemmas

Ray Bradbury, Author

Bio: Born 1920, deceased 2012; American author known for his contributions to science fiction, fantasy, and speculative fiction; celebrated for his vivid and imaginative storytelling; body of work includes novels, short stories, and essays that have left a lasting impact on the world of speculative fiction
Other Works: The Martian Chronicles (1950); Fahrenheit 451 (1953); Dandelion Wine (1957); Something Wicked This Way Comes (1962); The Halloween Tree (1972)
Awards: International Fantasy Award nominee (1952); National Medal of Arts (2004); Pulitzer Prize (2007); Eaton Award for Lifetime Achievement in Science Fiction (2008)

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