Poetic Obituaries: "Fahrenheit 451" is perhaps his most successful

book-length narrative. An indictment of authoritarianism, it portrays a book-burning America of the near future, its central character a so-called fireman, whose job is to light the bonfires. (The title refers to the temperature at which paper ignites.) Some critics compared it favorably to George Orwell's "1984." François Truffaut adapted the book for a well-received movie in 1966 starring Oskar Werner and Julie Christie. As Mr. Bradbury's reputation grew, he found new outlets for his talents. He wrote the screenplay for John Huston's 1956 film version of "Moby-Dick," scripts for the television series "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and collections of poetry and plays.

from The New York Times: Brought Mars to Earth With a Lyrical Mastery
then Los Angeles Times: Ray Bradbury, idol--and friend

~~~~~~~~~~~