This is beautifully written and I'm glad you found room to mention his contribution to Ben-Hur, one of my favorite films. I've got a copy of Julian I rescued from my grandparents' house laying around somewhere, will have to check it out one of these days.
I’m reading my first Vidal now – Creation. It pulls off a mix of philosophical/political sophistication with a wicked quick wit and a sort of arch, weary melodrama that Morrissey and other sophisticated gay men are often masters at. Sentences like “I made myself cough pathetically, then could not stop coughing; I am indeed ill.” A very fun read, and I will have to check out more. Thanks for the essay Ross!
Morrissey is another one who will not be defined, a fact that I drop because of the gossip I once read that he has love children running around out there... yes, somebody is out there existing as Morrissey's unacknowledged progeny.
I first read Burr in college and fell in love with Vidal. I think he's particularly appealing as a young person because he knows exactly who he is. A lot of critics drop the writers who can't slot neatly into movements. Thanks for keeping the guy alive
Many years ago a teacher pointed a friend of mine, and by extension, myself, in the direction of Gore Vidal's writing. It was my first exposure to a form of thought and experience that showed there was a world of intellectual exploration available outside the confines of my previous existence and as such Vidal's work will always be remembered by this Welsh valley boy.
Really thoughtful. I’ve been put off by Vidal’s anti-Semitism — in the collected essays in “United States” it’s like a thin thread — but I admire his style (and his cynicism — as George Carlin said, scratch a cynic and you’ll find a frustrated idealist, and I think that’s true even of Vidal, at least until his last couple decades).
Yes, he would have shrugged at Trump. “What did you expect?” he would say. “Didn’t you read my books?”
Brilliant writing as usual. Writing on a brilliant character who was and remains an enigma. The young radical of old in me embraces Vidal’s brash intellect while the older, calmer observer I’ve become reads, reflects and reminisces through your observation and analysis of the one and only Gore Vidal. “Myra Breckenridge” was my favorite book of his.
Many years ago I read about the green room incident with Mailer. As I recall, after he'd been decked, Vidal, unflappable as ever, said: "As usual Mr.Mailer, words fail you."
Thank you for this lovely piece. Like your Dad, Vidal is my favourite writer, and I've enjoyed reading a few tributes for his hundredth birthday. I often find myself wondering what he'd say now - I suspect I know, but, of course, you can never be quite sure with Vidal. He is something of a model for me as he is for you: a reader and an essayist and an original thinker in our age of the screen.
So good! Thanks for writing this. Vidal is fantastic. I love men who have gay sex but do not identify as gay. Seriously. I also love people rich enough to spend their days thinking, writing and quipping the way Vidal could knowingly quip. Myra Breckinridge is the only thing I’ve read (and it’s hilarious) but now I want to take the historical books for a spin. Inspired and inspiring writing here.
Gore muses on the state of the Union touching on a host of domestic issues ranging from crime, health care and the intrusion by government into people's private lives. The conference was held in November 4, 1994.
This is beautifully written and I'm glad you found room to mention his contribution to Ben-Hur, one of my favorite films. I've got a copy of Julian I rescued from my grandparents' house laying around somewhere, will have to check it out one of these days.
A great profile for those not familiar with his writings or personality. .
I’m reading my first Vidal now – Creation. It pulls off a mix of philosophical/political sophistication with a wicked quick wit and a sort of arch, weary melodrama that Morrissey and other sophisticated gay men are often masters at. Sentences like “I made myself cough pathetically, then could not stop coughing; I am indeed ill.” A very fun read, and I will have to check out more. Thanks for the essay Ross!
Morrissey is another one who will not be defined, a fact that I drop because of the gossip I once read that he has love children running around out there... yes, somebody is out there existing as Morrissey's unacknowledged progeny.
I first read Burr in college and fell in love with Vidal. I think he's particularly appealing as a young person because he knows exactly who he is. A lot of critics drop the writers who can't slot neatly into movements. Thanks for keeping the guy alive
Many years ago a teacher pointed a friend of mine, and by extension, myself, in the direction of Gore Vidal's writing. It was my first exposure to a form of thought and experience that showed there was a world of intellectual exploration available outside the confines of my previous existence and as such Vidal's work will always be remembered by this Welsh valley boy.
Really thoughtful. I’ve been put off by Vidal’s anti-Semitism — in the collected essays in “United States” it’s like a thin thread — but I admire his style (and his cynicism — as George Carlin said, scratch a cynic and you’ll find a frustrated idealist, and I think that’s true even of Vidal, at least until his last couple decades).
Yes, he would have shrugged at Trump. “What did you expect?” he would say. “Didn’t you read my books?”
Brilliant writing as usual. Writing on a brilliant character who was and remains an enigma. The young radical of old in me embraces Vidal’s brash intellect while the older, calmer observer I’ve become reads, reflects and reminisces through your observation and analysis of the one and only Gore Vidal. “Myra Breckenridge” was my favorite book of his.
Many years ago I read about the green room incident with Mailer. As I recall, after he'd been decked, Vidal, unflappable as ever, said: "As usual Mr.Mailer, words fail you."
Thank you for this lovely piece. Like your Dad, Vidal is my favourite writer, and I've enjoyed reading a few tributes for his hundredth birthday. I often find myself wondering what he'd say now - I suspect I know, but, of course, you can never be quite sure with Vidal. He is something of a model for me as he is for you: a reader and an essayist and an original thinker in our age of the screen.
Well said! I share a lot of your takes on Vidal, including that America is capable of better than Vidal thinks.
Terrific work, thank you. Gore Vidal is one of Our true greats of the Republic of the USA.
Glad you forsook your social life last night to finish this. Long live Vidal.
Haha yes, I told myself I could either go out or have this done before Oct 3 turned to Oct 4
So good! Thanks for writing this. Vidal is fantastic. I love men who have gay sex but do not identify as gay. Seriously. I also love people rich enough to spend their days thinking, writing and quipping the way Vidal could knowingly quip. Myra Breckinridge is the only thing I’ve read (and it’s hilarious) but now I want to take the historical books for a spin. Inspired and inspiring writing here.
I ran out of time but may jump back in and add something on MB
Your Dad would be so proud of you! As he always said, "you are his foot print in the sand." Magnificant essay!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vKZbmiTpog
Gore Vidal at the National Press Club (3/4)
MenOfLetters
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2,249 views Jul 7, 2011
Gore muses on the state of the Union touching on a host of domestic issues ranging from crime, health care and the intrusion by government into people's private lives. The conference was held in November 4, 1994.
"Vidal’s last decade was a lonely one: America was on the march after 9/11, waging its war on so-called Islamofascism... "
So-called?
The fact that the phenomenon was quite accurately named by neoconservatives should not blind you to its actuality.