L.A. High and the Science Fiction League

This chapter discusses Ray Bradbury's achievement in fiction as a student at Los Angeles High School and his membership in Science Fiction League (SFL). It begins with a discussion of Bradbury's early obsession with Hollywood, as seen in his snapshots of scores of Hollywood stars and in more than a thousand autographs of Hollywood personalities, as well as with radio. It then considers Bradbury's fascination with the concept of space and on space and time travel during his time at Los Angeles High School; his participation in the activities of the Los Angeles SFL and editorial work with the organization; and his involvement with the school's poetry club known as “The Ink Beasts.” It also discusses how Bradbury's narratives were inspired by science fiction and fantasy pulps, such as those of Edgar Rice Burroughs and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Finally, it recounts Bradbury's performance at a school production in May 1938.