Capote

A Biography

By: Gerald Clarke

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

The national best-selling biography and the basis for the film Capote starring Philip Seymour Hoffman in an Academy Award-winning turn.

One of the strongest fiction writers of his generation, Truman Capote became a literary star while still in his teens. His most phenomenal successes include Breakfast at Tiffany's, In Cold Blood, and Other Voices, Other Rooms. Even while his literary achievements were setting the standards that other fiction and nonfiction writers would follow for generations, Capote descended into a spiral of self-destruction and despair.

First published in 1988 - just four years after Capote's death - Clarke paints a vivid behind-the-scenes picture of the author's life, based on hundreds of hours of in-depth interviews with the man himself and the people close to him. From the glittering heights of notoriety and parties with the rich and famous to his later struggles with addiction, Capote emerges as a richly multidimensional person - both brilliant and flawed.

©1988 Gerald Clarke (P)2021 Tantor

The Essence of Truman

This book captured the essence of Capote. Truman was a lost soul whose talent both set him free and imprisoned him. Certainly one could deem Capote as a cruel narcissist; yet, in truth, he was denied adult coping skills by his shameful childhood. It is difficult to feel sorry for him, given some of his cruel actions. Ultimately he began alone and died alone. The beginning designed by wretched parents. The end, designed by alcoholic irrational choices.

I loved it!

The narrator brought Capote and his milieu to life without caricaturing him or them. And the story was given with frankness, yet palpable sensitivity. Truly remarkable.

As close as anyone could know Truman

Truly remarkable biography. I’ve always been fascinated by Truman - and his writings. I read anything I can find about him.

I learned so much about him. What the author compiled is absolutely incredible. I come away knowing so much more about Truman. But there’s so much we can never know.

I truly believe Truman was his own greatest creation.

Highly recommend.

Excellent

Excellent! Wonderful biography! I felt like I was there with Copote. I would recommend this biography to anyone interested in his life.

Excellent book on an interesting man.

I thought this was a very well written book on Capote, by someone who actually knew him. It was compassionate yet unbiased. While very thorough, it still managed to be infinitely entertaining.