Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame

Charles Bukowski (1920–1994) was born in Andernach, Germany, and raised in Los Angeles. He wrote poetry, fiction, and memoir. After years employed at the Los Angeles post office, he left to write his first novel, Post Office (Black Sparrow Press, 1971). His poetry collections include Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame: Selected Poems 1955–1973 (Black Sparrow Press, 1974) and Love Is a Dog from Hell (Black Sparrow Press, 1977). He published most of his work with Black Sparrow Press and remains among the most widely read American poets internationally.