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The Life of Charles Bukowski Trivia Quiz

Charles Bukowski was one of the best-selling poets of the 20th century. See how much you know about his life and his works.

A multiple-choice quiz by chango. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
chango

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
163,510

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
443

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Which independent press published the majority of Bukowski's books? Hint

Ecco

Black Sparrow

City Lights

Steerforth

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Question 2 of 10

2. Which of these was Buk's last novel? Hint

Ham on Rye

Septuagenarian Stew

Hollywood

Pulp

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Question 3 of 10

3. Which book is a collection of columns that he wrote for "Open City", an alternative newspaper founded by John Bryan? Hint

War All the Time

Notes of a Dirty Old Man

Hollywood

At Terror Street and Agony Way

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Question 4 of 10

4. Buk fathered one child in his lifetime, a daughter named Marina. Who was Marina's mother? Hint

Barbara Frye

Jane Cooney

Linda Lee Beighle

Frances Smith

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Question 5 of 10

5. Which of these is NOT a book by Charles Bukowski? Hint

It Catches My Heart in Its Hands

South of No North

Mockingbird Wish Me Luck

The Tragedy of the Leaves

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Question 6 of 10

6. Where is Charles Bukowski buried? Hint

Venice Beach, California

Hollywood, California

Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Andernach, Germany

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Question 7 of 10

7. What does the inscription on his headstone read? Hint

"Leave Me Alone"

"Poet"

"The Genius of The Crowd"

"Don't Try"

8. In addition to writing the screenplay for "Barfly", some of Bukowski's other works were adapted for feature films. Which of his books was used as the basis of a film by the Belgian director, Dominique Deruddere? Hint

Love is a Dog From Hell

Hollywood

Tales of Ordinary Madness

You Get So Alone At Times That It Just Makes Sense

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Question 9 of 10

9. In 1991, this man, a former friend of Buk, wrote a biography entitled, "Hank: the Life of Charles Bukowski". Hint

John Martin

Jon Webb

John Fante

Neeli Cherkovski

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Question 10 of 10

10. In his poem "how to be a great writer", which of the following pieces of advice does he NOT suggest? Hint

drink more and more beer

love yourself first

go to bars and museums

don't overexcercise

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Most Recent Scores

Apr 05 2024 : Guest 67: 3/10
Feb 22 2024 : OswaldEllie: 2/10

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Which independent press published the majority of Bukowski's books?

Answer: Black Sparrow

John Martin, who launched Black Sparrow in 1966 in order to publish Bukowski, retired in July of 2002 after selling his rights to the works of Bukowski and John Fante to HarperCollins.

2. Which of these was Buk's last novel?

Answer: Pulp

Published in 1994, the year of his death, it is "dedicated to bad writing". He wanted to take a jab at the carefully constucted American novels.

3. Which book is a collection of columns that he wrote for "Open City", an alternative newspaper founded by John Bryan?

Answer: Notes of a Dirty Old Man

Published in 1969, the first printing of 20,000 books disappeared from bookstore racks within a couple of months. This further enhanced his developing cult figure status.

4. Buk fathered one child in his lifetime, a daughter named Marina. Who was Marina's mother?

Answer: Frances Smith

Frye was his first wife. Beighle was his second wife. Jane Cooney was a former girlfriend who was depicted in the movie "Barfly".

5. Which of these is NOT a book by Charles Bukowski?

Answer: The Tragedy of the Leaves

"The Tragedy of the Leaves" is one his best poems, first published in the book, "It Catches My Heart in Its Hands".

6. Where is Charles Bukowski buried?

Answer: Rancho Palos Verdes, California

His obituary in the "New York Times" described him as "...a descendant of the Romantic visionaries who worshipped at the altar of personal excess.".

7. What does the inscription on his headstone read?

Answer: "Don't Try"

He frequently gave this advice to people who came to him wanting help with their writing.

Answer: Love is a Dog From Hell

Released in 1987, "Love Is a Dog From Hell" ties together several Bukowski stories, and attempts to capture the sririt of his poetry.

9. In 1991, this man, a former friend of Buk, wrote a biography entitled, "Hank: the Life of Charles Bukowski".

Answer: Neeli Cherkovski

The book was reissued in 1994 after Buk's death, under the title "Bukowski: A Life".

10. In his poem "how to be a great writer", which of the following pieces of advice does he NOT suggest?

Answer: go to bars and museums

Actually, he suggests the opposite, "...stay out of churches, bars, and museums.".

Source: Author chango

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor Jim_in_Oz before going online.
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