Widely but patchily learned, waspish, arrogant, an energetic writer whose work varied from brilliant to mediocre, snooty and very well-connected, often self-deprecating and shamelessly indifferent to his frequent errors and gaffes, capable of infuriating macho types: I am going to miss Gore Vidal.
I understand that meeting him socially was often a bruising experience especially in his old age in Italy, so I don't regret never having even seen him. But in a way the scary old queen was my type of guy.
Some of his historical novels are very readable and what many regard as his best, 'Burr', I would recommend to anyone with an interest in American history. A copy is lying about in the bedroom right now and I may take another swoop through it. RIP.
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Gore Vidal new
Gore Vidal new
