Gore Vidal

Gore Vidal (1925–2012) was an American novelist, essayist, playwright and screenwriter. His first novel, Williwaw, appeared in 1946, beginning a long literary career that included historical novels such as Julian and Lincoln, the satire Myra Breckinridge and the memoir Palimpsest.

He also became a prominent political commentator and television interview guest. His collection United States: Essays 1952–1992 won the 1993 National Book Award for nonfiction, bringing together writing on literature, public life and personal experience. His work moved between fiction, criticism and arguments about American power and identity.