Flowers for Algernon
by Daniel Keyes
I think Flowers for
Algernon is heartbreaking, and utterly, completely brilliant (Alison Flood)
When I was young, I considered the Science Fiction is not
a serious literature, but pure low grade entertainment. The short story Flowers
for Algernon changed my mind and perception forever. This is indeed a brilliant
mesmerizing plot and perfectly told story. The section of the short stories
about clinical depression will not be complete without it.
About the Author
Daniel Keyes was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1927. He
joined the U.S. Maritime Service at the age of 17 and became a ship's purser.
Upon returning home, he resumed his education at Brooklyn College (now CUNY),
where he received his B.A. degree in psychology. Keyes also earned a license to
teach English in New York City schools. It was while working as a high school
English teacher that he wrote the short story, "Flowers for
Algernon", which was later expanded into a full-length novel.
Keyes returned to Brooklyn College to study English and
American literature, successfully earning his M.A. degree. In 1966, he joined
the faculty of Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, as Professor of English and
Creative Writing. In 1988, Brooklyn College presented Keyes with the
Distinguished Alumnus Medal of Honor. In 2000, he was honored with Professor
Emeritus status at Ohio University. Keyes died on June 15, 2014, at his home in
Florida.
Movies
The first, and the most famous, movie version, titled
"Charly" was made in 1968.
Cliff Robertson won the Best Actor Academy Award for his
portrayal of Charly. Besides winning an Academy Award, Flowers for Algernon was
nominated for a Hugo but lost to 2001: A Space Odyssey for the Hugo Award for
Best Dramatic Presentation.
Sources and Additional
Information:
