Gore Vidal was a patrician and sardonic intellectual noted for his screenplays, novels and essays. He enjoyed witty public sparring with fellows such as Truman Capote, William F. Buckley Jr., and Norman Mailer at a time when such was valued by audiences. A noted secularist, he lambasted Christianity in Live from Golgotha: The Gospel According to Gore Vidal.
His historical novels, referred to as the American Chronicles, were meticulously researched and brought the ideas and emotions of past times to vibrant life. Vidal cultivated a flamboyant aspect which he exercised in works such as the novel Myra Breckinridge and his screenplay for the still notorious Caligula, which could be considered a work of pornography with the greatest cast of actors ever assembled to frame it.
He always spoke for himself and expressed often controversial ideas, concerning politics, social dynamics and sexuality, without fear of the reactions from either the masses or his peers. Such courage is admirable.
Farewell to a true aristocrat of the able.
Hail Vidal!
Magus Peter H. Gilmore