Talk:Charles Bukowski

On cynicism
In the writing section: Isn't this an opinion and should be more factual?

"A few critics and commentators, also, supported the idea that Bukowski was a cynic, as a man and a writer; yet he was a pure stoic, not a cynic. As Bukowski stated himself in an interview: 'I've always been accused of being a cynic. I think cynicism is sour grapes. I think cynicism is a weakness.'"

I agree with you; I will re-write it to remove the unsupported, "yet he was a pure stoic, not a cynic". Johnskrb2 (talk)

Dorsey High School
Can someone please add Susan Miller Dorsey High School to the article. He is listed in the Notable alumni section for Dorsey, but there is no mention of it in the article.

I found the following: https://www.beatdom.com/drunk-and-disorderly-charles-bukowski-in-hollywood/

The family settled in at 2122 Longwood Avenue, in South Los Angeles. Mother and son proceeded to become Americanized: Katrina was known as Kate and the boy, Heinrich Karl, was thereafter called Henry Jr., or Hank (his middle name became Charles). It was also the scene of Bukowski’s horrific childhood, with regular beatings from his father meeting only indifference from his mother. The foundation for life as a drunken loner was laid early.

To make matters worse, when he was about 13, Bukowski’s face exploded with boils and severe acne that would leave scars, plaguing him all his life. The lonely and beaten boy was now something of a freak. The situation didn’t improve when he transferred from Susan Miller Dorsey High to Los Angeles High School in 1937, in the affluent confines of L.A.’s Hancock Park.

Thank you Jb45424 (talk) 01:51, 9 May 2024 (UTC)


 * Hi JB,
 * It looks like the article linked is from a literary magazine, so I'm not sure it counts as a reputable source. The reference on the high school's article is not sourced. I think we should find a stronger source for the information and then add it. A quick google search didn't turn up anything cite-able but I'll try looking through some books later. I want to make sure we aren't making a loop where all the sources cite wikipedia as the source but wikipedia cites them as a source etc Apathyash (talk) 11:44, 9 May 2024 (UTC)
 * Thank you, much appreciated. Jb45424 (talk) 12:28, 9 May 2024 (UTC)
 * Found it in one of the biographies about him. Added to the article and cited. Thanks! Apathyash (talk) 19:16, 9 May 2024 (UTC)
 * Most excellent! I have added the applicable category as well. Greatly appreciate your prompt assistance! Jb45424 (talk) 20:19, 9 May 2024 (UTC)

Poetic Controversy
I'm curious how verifiable is this reference/source of "Martinized" of Bukowski's poems? I got word the other day that John Martin denies this--so I hope its verifiable to merit legitimate inclusion on this Wiki notable article Pjt48
 * Hello. I've removed the section. It lacked reliable sources. The content shouldn't be restored without reliable sources. StephenMacky1 (talk) 12:49, 27 May 2024 (UTC)