Marion Zimmer Bradley

Marion Eleanor Zimmer Bradley (June 3, 1930 - September 25, 1999) was a prolific author of largely feminist fantasy novels such as The Mists of Avalon and was a steadfast encourager of equality (and quality) in writing. In literary circles, she is often referred to by her initials, "MZB," a nickname reinforced by her good friend and editor, Donald A. Wollheim.

Biography

Born on a farm in Albany, New York, during the Great Depression, she began writing in 1949 and sold her first story to Vortex in 1952. She was married to Robert Alden Bradley from October 26, 1949 until their divorce on May 19, 1964. During the 1950s she was introduced to the cultural and campaigning lesbian group the Daughters of Bilitis. After her divorce she quickly married the paedophile Walter Breen on June 3, 1964 some people claim she knew of his abuse and supported him in hiding it in subsequent years. They remained married until their divorce on May 9, 1990. In 1965 she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Afterward, she moved to Berkeley, California, to pursue graduate studies at University of California Berkeley between 1965 and 1967. Her first child, David Bradley, and brother, Paul Edwin Zimmer are published science fiction & fantasy authors in their own right. Her daughter, Moira Breen, is a professional harpist and singer. there have been questions by investigators as to whether MZB abused her herself.

Related Topics:
Albany, New York - Great Depression - 1949 - Vortex - 1952 - October 26 - May 19 - 1964 - 1950s - Daughters of Bilitis - Walter Breen - June 3 - May 9 - 1990 - 1965 - Bachelor of Arts - Hardin Simmons University - Abilene, Texas - Berkeley, California - University of California Berkeley - 1967 - David Bradley - Paul Edwin Zimmer - Harpist

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After suffering declining health for years, Marion Zimmer Bradley died at Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley on September 25, 1999 four days after suffering a debilitating heart attack. Her ashes were scattered at Glastonbury Tor, in Somerset, England, two months later.

Related Topics:
Alta Bates Medical Center - September 25 - 1999 - Heart attack - Glastonbury Tor - Somerset - England

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