Truman Capote (born Truman Streckfus Persons on September 30, 1924) was an American author, many of whose short stories, novels, plays, and nonfiction are recognized literary classics, including the novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1958) and the true crime novel In Cold Blood (1966), which he labeled a “nonfiction novel.” At least 20 films and television dramas have been produced from Capote novels, stories and screenplays.
Capote rose above a childhood troubled by divorce, a long absence from his mother, and multiple migrations. He had discovered his calling as a writer by the age of 11, and for the rest of his childhood he honed his writing ability. Capote began his professional career writing short stories. The critical success of one story, “Miriam” (1945), attracted the attention of Random House publisher Bennett Cerf, and resulted in a contract to write the novel Other Voices, Other Rooms (1948).
Capote earned the most fame with In Cold Blood, a journalistic work about the murder of a Kansas farm family in their home, a book Capote spent four years writing, with much help from Harper Lee, who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird (1960). A milestone in popular culture, In Cold Blood was the peak of Capote’s literary career; it was to be his final fully published book. In the 1970s, he maintained his celebrity status by appearing on television talk shows.
if only he could have left the booze and drugs alone- he might have been a major writer -instead of a minor writer- the short stories are very derivative- Eudora welty -with a dash of poe- bit he was a very good if sometimes a little too purple , stylist- in cold blood was great in its time – but wont stand scrutiny – and is not a book for the ages- for a generation he was a freakish gay celebrity on too many talk shows et al – however as a fellow southerner I was proud of him .rip tc
It is with love, respect and admiration for Mr. Truman Capote that I leave this note.
I have long admired and enjoyed the writing of Mr. Capote.
I especially love the family bond and life-long friendship that is forged in ‘ A Christmas Memory.’
As a child, at Christmas, I would read this beloved remembrance of a simple time in a child’s life when he
felt truly loved. As a mother, each Christmas, I read Mr. Capote’s story to my son. The tradition continues
for my grandchildren.
We have another connection to this beloved author- we are also from New Orleans.
Thank you, Mr. Capote, for sharing your gift and love of writing with us. We are all the better for it!