The City and the Pillar

A Novel

By: Gore Vidal

Narrated by: Will Damron

Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

A literary cause célèbre when first published more than fifty years ago, Gore Vidal’s now-classic The City and the Pillar stands as a landmark novel of the gay experience.

Jim, a handsome, all-American athlete, has always been shy around girls. But when he and his best friend, Bob, partake in “awful kid stuff,” the experience forms Jim’s ideal of spiritual completion. Defying his parents’ expectations, Jim strikes out on his own, hoping to find Bob and rekindle their amorous friendship. Along the way he struggles with what he feels is his unique bond with Bob and with his persistent attraction to other men. Upon finally encountering Bob years later, the force of his hopes for a life together leads to a devastating climax. The first novel of its kind to appear on the American literary landscape, The City and the Pillar remains a forthright and uncompromising portrayal of sexual relationships between men.

©1948, 1965 E. P. Dutton & Co., Inc (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Introduction © 1995 by Literary Creation Enterprises, Inc.

Read This Review Before Reading

I read more than one review that complained the ending was given away in the beginning. Skip the introduction (but listen after you finish) but also be sure the full running time is displayed. For some reason when I started listening it began with the last chapter. I didn't realize this and thought the book started with a party scene. The end was really ruined for me. Shame to have the end ruined as you won't see it coming.
The City and the Pillar is quite dated but is still a fascinating read and very daring considering it was published in the 1940s. The physical relations described are quite tame yet still the idea of the book ,at this time, being released was a bit of a shock to me. Easy to imagine it being picked for the pile by one of the fanatic right wing groups holding book burnings these days. Hope I've spared you from having the end spoiled.

The mother of all queer fiction...

Perfectly captures the pathos of mid-century America for closeted homosexuals. Self-hating men, in denial, they love to suffer, want only what they can't have, and will do anything to get it.

Stands the test of time

Still a classic. Vidal’s matery of prose stands the test of time. Negative reviewers looking for graphic porn should shift their attention to only fans — this isn’t going to quench your need for overly graphic sexual thrills.

Great story, surprise ending

Gore Vidal has a way with words. The story flows beautifully. A story of passion and disillusionment, and a portrait of gay life in the post WW2 era.

Gore Vidal was always a great writer.

I had heard about this title but had never read it. Even though Vidal all has always been one of my favorite writers. I can’t believe I waited so long to read it, because it was really great read. Great story great characters and a really enjoyable read

Spoiler in the introduction

The introduction of the book seems more like an afterword, and for first time readers it should be saved for the end.
That said, beautiful story of love interrupted by the puritanical nature of our society. I'm grateful to Vidal for writing it and inspired by his courage. Though it was published 75 years ago, it will surely strike a chord with young gay men in certain parts of the US and the world even today.

Will make a great movie

A interesting look into the mind of a person who lives inside his own head. You can see it all asif on screen.

SKIP CHAPTER 1!

"Chapter 1" is really a foreword and contains spoilers, skip it.
This book had me listening nonstop from start to finish.

Hasn't Aged Well

It kept my attention and there were a few laughs; but there were also some cringes. The amount of times rape is casually brought up is awful, and there is a rape scene that is incredibly disheartening. Also the book just kinda wondered in my opinion and the story was a little all over the place for my taste.

Do not listen to the introduction!!!!!

Gore Vidal gives away the ending. Not hinting at it, literally saying what happens. Guess what book I won’t be reading now. I can’t believe they included that. So idiotic.