Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury is a classic science fiction novel from the early 1950s. I get the feeling nowadays that Bradbury is almost a forgotten legend. Twenty or thirty years ago, his name was always up with Asimov and Clarke, but you rarely hear about him anymore. And it’s a shame, since his novels are completely different than anything else written at the time (or even written now). And Fahrenheit 451 is probably his best known work.

Guy Montag is a fireman. When the signal comes, he rushes out with his team to the location called in. There they bring out their hoses and burn all the books they find. There are rumors, stories mainly, that firefighters used to put out fires, but that’s just plain silly since houses have always been fireproof. Then Guy meets Clarisse. A teenage neighbor girl who isn’t interested in the TV and interactive shows that everyone else participates in. She wants to see the world and enjoy the neighborhood. Guy doesn’t know what to make of this strange girl, but she seems harmless enough and he talks to her for a few days until she is gone. Guy is slightly disturbed.

His interactions with Clarisse has awakened something within him and he becomes curious about the books they are burning. He sneaks one out from a call and brings it home without anyone seeing…or so he thought. His chief comes and tells him the truth. Firemen did used to put out fires. But books are difficult. They offend and make people uneasy. Everyone’s happier with them gone. And he has a couple days to return the books he has appropriated and all will be forgiven.

Bradbury’s tale is simple and yet powerful. What makes it even more powerful is Bradbury’s lyrical language. Where Asimov would overpower you with his intellect and ideas, Bradbury lures you into his world with wonderfully flowery language that seduces you into his story and makes you believe in the story. I’m hoping for a Bradbury re-discovery someday and you can start with this highly recommended novel.