A 1975 reissue of Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury with updated author introduction. A collection of short stories loosely based on Bradbury's boyhood in Waukegan, Illinois.
Written by Ray Bradbury. 1975, first edition thus. A Borzoi Book, published by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.
Ray Bradbury (1920-2012), author and screenwriter, wrote science fiction, fantasy, and horror but is remembered for bringing science fiction into the literary mainstream. For which his many fans are most grateful.
"My stories run up and bite me in the leg - I respond by writing them down - everything that goes on during the bite. When I finish, the idea lets go and runs off."
Likewise, Dandelion Wine is a collection of short stories, written over a period of years, about 12 year-old Douglas Spaulding's boyhood in Green Town, loosely based on Bradbury's own boyhood and fond memories of growing up in Waukegan, Illinois. In the summer, Spaulding's grandfather makes dandelion wine, the season of Bradbury's life that he'd bottle if he could.
In the introduction to this 1975 edition, he writes:
"Dandelion Wine is nothing if it is not the boy-hid-in-the-man playing in the fields of the Lord on the green grass of other Augusts in the midst of starting to grow up, grow old, and sense darkness waiting under the trees to seed the blood."
I was amused and somewhat astonished at a critic a few years back who wrote an article analyzing Dandelion Wine plus the more realistic works of Sinclair Lewis, wondering how I oculd have been born and raising in Waukegan, which I renamed Green Town for my novel, and not noticed how ugly the harbor was and how depressing the coal docks and railyards down below the town.
But of course, I had noticed them and, genetic enchanter that I was, was fascinated by their beauty. Trains and boxcars and the smell of coal and fire are not ugly to children. Ugliness is a concept that we happen on later and become self-conscious about."
Discover more of Ray Bradbury's great work at Goodreads.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1630.Ray_Bradbury
Visit TheCharmedBookshop.com for more first edition children's books.
Condition*: Near Fine/Very Good. The dust jacket inside is slightly toned along the upper edge. The cloth cover is slightly faded on the spine.
*Based on guidelines of the Independent Online Booksellers' Association
Shipping from United States
Processing time
1-3 business days
Estimated shipping times
- Australia : 1 - 3 business days
- United States : 1 - 3 business days
- North America : 1 - 3 business days
- Europe : 1 - 3 business days
- Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 1 - 3 business days
- Asia Pacific : 1 - 3 business days
- Latin America and the Caribbean : 1 - 3 business days
- North Africa and the Middle East : 1 - 3 business days
- Sub-Saharan Africa : 1 - 3 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Customs and import taxes
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Payment Options
Returns & Exchanges
I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations
Just contact me within: 7 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery
Privacy policy
* I will not share your personal information with third parties.
* I will contact you only through Etsy or an email address you provide to convey information about your order and news exclusive to The Charmed Bookshop.
* In placing your order, please provide Etsy with an active email address to ensure that I can get in touch with you about your order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gift wrapping and packaging
I wrap every book with care and ship it in a padded mailing envelope or sturdy box. If you're purchasing a gift, please advise when ordering and include a gift message.
Care instructions
1. I lightly clean books, as needed, but I don't attempt repairs or restoration. If you'd like a book restored, you'll find trustworthy, qualified experts in your area through libraries or museums.
I also recommend the following care instructions.
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works -
https://goo.gl/6CZ9zA
2. Photos are cropped and resized to Etsy guidelines but are otherwise unedited. Please contact me if you'd like additional photos of book details.
3. Descriptions of condition are based on guidelines from the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.
Order processing time
I'll process and ship your purchase in 1 - 3 business days, and I'll ship anywhere in the world via any mail or delivery service that Etsy offers. (Please refer to the Shipping section for average shipping turn-around times by region.) If I encounter any delays in processing your order, I will advise you in advance.