Gore Vidal: A BiographyNovelist, cultural critic, essayist, historian, comic satirist, image maker, provocateur, actor, homosexual, bisexual...controversial, brilliant, confrontational, unflinching, cynical, idealistic...finding words to describe Gore Vidal is never difficult. And yet, an accurate picture of this multifaceted chameleon has eluded us until now. Here, at last, is a vastly entertaining biography of an American icon. From his Washington childhood, a world of high political and social connections and domestic turmoil, to his Exeter education and U.S. Army experiences; from his Hollywood and television career to his literary life as a novelist, playwright, and essayist; from his friendships and feuds with Tennessee Williams, Anais Nin, Truman Capote, Norman Mailer, and William Buckley to his exploration of homosexuality and celebration of bisexuality; from his cool satirical analyses of "the rich, the famous and the powerful" to his projection of himself onto the national stage of television talk shows and political ambition, Gore Vidal has been both participant in and spectator at the centers of American power. No other twentieth-century figure has moved so easily and confidently, and had such a profound effect, in the disparate worlds of literature, drama, film, politics, historical debate, and the culture wars. Fred Kaplan enjoyed complete access to Vidal's papers, letters, and private photographs, as well as television and newsreel footage, but was guaranteed a free hand by Vidal to write as he saw fit. The result is a lively, witty, and textured life of a literary colossus. |
From inside the book
Results 1-3 of 57
Page 260
... homosexual artists for a book on the relationship between sexuality and creativity . He was eager to talk to Vidal , to whom he had written , complimenting him on City , which he had read carefully , expressing his hope that " we will ...
... homosexual artists for a book on the relationship between sexuality and creativity . He was eager to talk to Vidal , to whom he had written , complimenting him on City , which he had read carefully , expressing his hope that " we will ...
Page 613
... homosexual or a heterosexual , only homosexual acts and hetero- sexual acts . In the end Gore thought he had done well , though he was not happy with his representation by Fitelson's office . When Richard Poirier was subpoenaed to ...
... homosexual or a heterosexual , only homosexual acts and hetero- sexual acts . In the end Gore thought he had done well , though he was not happy with his representation by Fitelson's office . When Richard Poirier was subpoenaed to ...
Page 726
... homosexual acts or for responding to homosexual solicitation from undercover policemen in the Boston Public Library . Paddy - wagons carted off the villains from elegant Copley Square to immediate arraignment . When Gore arrived in ...
... homosexual acts or for responding to homosexual solicitation from undercover policemen in the Boston Public Library . Paddy - wagons carted off the villains from elegant Copley Square to immediate arraignment . When Gore arrived in ...
Contents
Prelude | 1 |
A Washington Childhood 19251939 | 30 |
CHAPTER THREE | 68 |
Copyright | |
19 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
American apartment appeared asked attractive became become began beginning believed boys Buckley called City eager early Edgewater especially essay eyes father feel felt friends gave Gene Gore Gore Vidal Gore's hand happy hoped Howard idea immediately interest Italy John Kennedy knew late later least less letter literary living London looked Mailer married mind months mother moved movie needed never night Nina novel party perhaps play political possible probably published reason recalled remember response returned Review Rome script seemed Senator sexual social soon stayed story success summer talk television things thought told took Truman Capote turned usual Vidal wanted Washington week write written wrote York young