38 Facts About Gore Vidal

Early Life and Family Background

Gore Vidal, an iconic American writer, had a life full of fascinating details. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about his early years and family.

1. 01Born on October 3, 1925, at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, Vidal was destined for a life of prominence.
2. 02His father, Eugene Luther Vidal, was a pioneering aviator and one of the founders of TWA (Trans World Airlines).
3. 03Vidal's mother, Nina Gore, was a socialite who later married Hugh D. Auchincloss, making Vidal a stepbrother to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
4. 04His grandfather, Thomas Pryor Gore, was a blind U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, influencing Vidal's early interest in politics.
5. 05Vidal was named Eugene Louis Vidal at birth but later changed his name to Gore to honor his maternal grandfather.

Education and Early Career

Vidal's education and early career set the stage for his future success as a writer and public intellectual.

6. 06He attended St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., where he developed a love for literature.
7. 07Vidal skipped college to join the U.S. Army during World War II, serving as a warrant officer in the Pacific theater.
8. 08His first novel, "Williwaw," was published in 1946 when he was just 21 years old, drawing from his wartime experiences.
9. 09Vidal's third novel, "The City and the Pillar" (1948), was one of the first American novels to feature an openly gay protagonist, causing significant controversy.
10. 10Despite the backlash, Vidal continued to write prolifically, producing novels, essays, plays, and screenplays.

Literary Achievements

Vidal's literary career is marked by numerous achievements and contributions to American literature.

11. 11He wrote 25 novels, including historical fiction, social satire, and political commentary.
12. 12"Julian" (1964), a novel about the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate, is considered one of his masterpieces.
13. 13Vidal's "Narratives of Empire" series, which includes "Burr" (1973) and "Lincoln" (1984), explores American history through a fictional lens.
14. 14He was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction in 1965 for "Julian."
15. 15Vidal received the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 1993 for his collection of essays, "United States: Essays 1952-1992."

Political Involvement

Vidal's interest in politics extended beyond his writing, as he actively participated in political life.

16. 16He ran for Congress in 1960 as a Democratic candidate in New York's 29th congressional district but lost.
17. 17In 1982, Vidal ran for the U.S. Senate in California, finishing second in the Democratic primary.
18. 18Vidal was a vocal critic of American foreign policy, particularly the Vietnam War and the Iraq War.
19. 19He was a frequent guest on television talk shows, where he debated political issues with other intellectuals and politicians.
20. 20Vidal's political essays, collected in books like "Perpetual War for Perpetual Peace" (2002), showcase his sharp wit and incisive analysis.

Personal Life and Relationships

Vidal's personal life was as colorful and complex as his public persona.

21. 21He had a long-term relationship with Howard Austen, a partner of over 50 years, though they maintained separate residences.
22. 22Vidal was openly bisexual, a rarity for his time, and wrote candidly about his relationships with both men and women.
23. 23He was friends with many prominent figures, including Tennessee Williams, Paul Newman, and Joanne Woodward.
24. 24Vidal had a famous feud with writer Truman Capote, marked by public insults and literary rivalry.
25. 25He spent much of his later life in a villa on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, where he entertained guests and continued to write.

Legacy and Influence

Vidal's impact on literature, politics, and culture remains significant even after his death.

26. 26He passed away on July 31, 2012, at the age of 86, leaving behind a vast body of work.
27. 27Vidal's essays are considered some of the finest in American literature, known for their clarity, wit, and insight.
28. 28His novels continue to be studied in literature courses for their innovative narrative techniques and historical insights.
29. 29Vidal's outspoken views on politics and society influenced generations of writers and thinkers.
30. 30He was posthumously awarded the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters by the National Book Foundation in 2013.

Fun and Lesser-Known Facts

Beyond his well-known achievements, Vidal's life was filled with quirky and lesser-known details.

31. 31He appeared in several films, including "Gattaca" (1997) and "With Honors" (1994).
32. 32Vidal was a distant cousin of Al Gore, the 45th Vice President of the United States.
33. 33He had a cameo in the 1994 film "Bob Roberts," playing a U.S. Senator.
34. 34Vidal was an atheist and often spoke about his disbelief in organized religion.
35. 35He was a prolific letter writer, corresponding with many notable figures of his time.
36. 36Vidal's sharp tongue and wit made him a popular guest on talk shows and in public debates.
37. 37He once said, "Every time a friend succeeds, I die a little," highlighting his complex views on success and rivalry.
38. 38Vidal's ashes were scattered in the same cemetery as his longtime partner, Howard Austen, in Washington, D.C.

Gore Vidal's Lasting Impact

Gore Vidal's influence on literature, politics, and culture remains undeniable. His sharp wit, fearless commentary, and prolific writing continue to inspire and provoke thought. Vidal's works, from novels to essays, offer a unique lens on American society, challenging norms and sparking debate. His legacy as a public intellectual and cultural critic endures, reminding us of the power of words and ideas. Vidal's life and career serve as a testament to the importance of questioning authority and embracing intellectual curiosity. Whether through his historical novels or his biting political critiques, Vidal's voice remains relevant, urging us to think critically about the world around us. His contributions to literature and public discourse ensure that his impact will be felt for generations to come.