I was skimming through YouTube the other day when I spotted a video of William F. Buckley interviewing the late writer, Tom Wolfe. The interview, from 1981, was about Wolfe’s book on modern architecture, From Bauhaus to Our House. It’s a delightful fifty-six minutes
Wolfe was a member of the NY Society Library. He was the keynote speaker at some literary event there, and made an impassioned appeal for the return of poetry that rhymes, citing Vachel Lindsay's work as a model and lamenting that Lindsay isn't better known today. (I remember running across some of Lindsay's work in an anthology my parents had; otherwise I'm sure I wouldn't have recognized the name.)
I thought Wolfe was kidding us, especially about Vachel Lindsay, but he was quite serious! He--Wolfe--was altogether unique. You did a great job of capturing that.
My favorite book of his is The Electric Kool-aid Acid Test. I never knew all that other info about him. Makes me appreciate him all the more. Fearless and adventurous---dapper suit and all. Thanks for the fun tribute. I'll look for those interviews.
Richmond born Tom Wolfe wore white in much the same the way my humorous, smart Southern father did during the summers of his youth. Dad was born in 1914 and did not begin his family until his early 40s.
I miss Wolfe, his bespoke personal style, and his excellent books.
Of course I immediately thought of my old Aspen friend Hunter Thompson. I'm not sure how their dates line up (Wolfe may well have preceded him) but they both reflect that era of--what was it Hunter called it?--Gonzo journalism! And like Wolfe, Hunter created a personality, carefully curated (as we say now) to be provocative, in your face, questionable, immoral, unconventional, etcetera. And he too was a very fine writer. I would say the two together changed American journalism, and not always for the better too. Because sometimes the truth can get in the way of a really good sentence.
Thank you for this piece, Richard. I have never read any of his books but now I will. Many contemporary Authors who work in creative non-fiction and "littérature d'enquête" (social investigation literature?) often cite him as a pioneer.
Another delightful essay, Richard, written seemingly with such ease, just as I always thought Wolf's writing was. I loved reading his work, and I too loved his attire.
I really enjoyed this one!
Wolfe was a member of the NY Society Library. He was the keynote speaker at some literary event there, and made an impassioned appeal for the return of poetry that rhymes, citing Vachel Lindsay's work as a model and lamenting that Lindsay isn't better known today. (I remember running across some of Lindsay's work in an anthology my parents had; otherwise I'm sure I wouldn't have recognized the name.)
I thought Wolfe was kidding us, especially about Vachel Lindsay, but he was quite serious! He--Wolfe--was altogether unique. You did a great job of capturing that.
Enjoyed your piece. I've been a fan of Wolfe for decades. A Man in Full: both a novel and a great way to describe Wolfe.
My favorite book of his is The Electric Kool-aid Acid Test. I never knew all that other info about him. Makes me appreciate him all the more. Fearless and adventurous---dapper suit and all. Thanks for the fun tribute. I'll look for those interviews.
Richmond born Tom Wolfe wore white in much the same the way my humorous, smart Southern father did during the summers of his youth. Dad was born in 1914 and did not begin his family until his early 40s.
I miss Wolfe, his bespoke personal style, and his excellent books.
Of course I immediately thought of my old Aspen friend Hunter Thompson. I'm not sure how their dates line up (Wolfe may well have preceded him) but they both reflect that era of--what was it Hunter called it?--Gonzo journalism! And like Wolfe, Hunter created a personality, carefully curated (as we say now) to be provocative, in your face, questionable, immoral, unconventional, etcetera. And he too was a very fine writer. I would say the two together changed American journalism, and not always for the better too. Because sometimes the truth can get in the way of a really good sentence.
Thank you for this piece, Richard. I have never read any of his books but now I will. Many contemporary Authors who work in creative non-fiction and "littérature d'enquête" (social investigation literature?) often cite him as a pioneer.
Another delightful essay, Richard, written seemingly with such ease, just as I always thought Wolf's writing was. I loved reading his work, and I too loved his attire.
(Lovely is the word of the day, I suppose.) LOVELY!
Lovely to find this lovely tribute in my Inbox this fine morning! I agree entirely! Thank you!