Customer Reviews (1)

Book Nitty-Gritty
There is often confusion about the publication history of Capote's beloved "A Christmas Memory."

It was first published in the magazine Mademoiselle in 1956. Since then it has been bundled and re-printed in several collections, including The Selected Writings of Truman Capote.

The first stand-alone edition (a 1st Thus) didn't occur until Random House released it in hardback in a slipcase in 1966! (Some confused cataloguers claim that this is a 1956 1st edition; it isn't -- the 1956 copyright appears but the book was released in 1966 w/ LOC number 66-21461.

The fact that the publisher published this story in a rather classy binding many years after it first was released is a testament to the growing cult status of Capote in general and the reputation of this piece of prose in particular.

Probably the most satisfying aspect of the first stand-alone edition is the slipcase's inclusion of the photo of young Truman with his best friend Sook. And, just as Capote's prose recalls it, her face does have a weathered dignity reminiscent of Abraham Lincoln.

Best two closing sentences ever: "That is why, walking across a school campus on this particular December morning, I keep searching the sky. As if I expected to see, rather like hearts, a lost pair of kites hurrying toward heaven." ... Read more

Product Description
Truman Capote was one of the most flamboyant, exuberant, self-advertising, and self-destructive figures in American literary history. This much-needed encyclopedia summarizes every item in Capote's oeuvre, including novels, short stories, and non-fictional prose pieces. All of his fictional characters are identified, as well as family members and acquaintances, particularly those who were most relevant to his literary output. Film and television adaptations of his work are briefly addressed. Many entries include bibliographical citations to facilitate further reading of Capote scholarship. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

??
Sixty-three fifty for less than 200 pages of "encyclopedia"?

Is it even illustrated?

What is there to help the consumer make a purchase decision?
... Read more

Product Description
A collection of fruitcake recipes by Truman Capote's great aunt ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

fruitcake memories of truman capote & sook
Marie Rudisill is absolutely fabulous with this fruitcake book.This is by far the most wonderful cook book i have ever seen in my entire life.I was also able to read other of Rudisills books and she is one of the best writers there is and has ever been.Two thumbs up to Rudisill on the Jay Leno show.She was funny keeping Jay and Mel Gibson in line.I strongly recommend everyone to try this delightful fruitcake book.Check out The Southern Haunting of Truman Capote,it was inspiring learning about his childhood in the south.

FRUITCAKE MEMORIES
MARIE RUDISILL HAS OUT DONE HERSELF WITH THIS FANTASTIC BOOK. IT NOT ONLY GIVES WONDERFUL RECEIPS IT ALSOSHARES MEMORIES OF TRUMAN CAPOTE AND SOOK FAULK..THIS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT THIS BEST COOKBOOK I HAVE EVER OWNED. I ALSO HAD THE PLEASURE OF SEEING MS. RUDISILL ON THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO AND MEL GIBSON, THIS WAS THE BEST EPSIODE I EVER SAW..SHE HAD NO TROUBLE KEEPING THESE TWO MEN IN LINE, AND IT SEEMED THEY ENJOYED EVERY BIT OF IT...

DYNAMITE
A wonderful reflection of a generation as much as a collection of effective recipes. It doesn't just seem appropriate that the subject of fruitcake stirs this focused book. The times were tough and the cake ingredients reflected that. Speaking of charmingly tough, Marie Rudisill's moments with MelGibson and Jay Leno should make the Late Night hall of fame. As a Capote aunt, you'd almost expect a wry scolding, but with both men up to their wrists in fruitcake batter, the pleadings to be careful with her prized recipe were loving and comfortable. So is this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Los textos que componen este libro son lo mas parecido a una autobiografia del autor. Aqui estan sus apuntes sobre viajes, infancia y adolescencia. Por estas paginas desfilan Andre Gide, Cecil Beaton, Colette o Greta Garbo, pero tambien el mismo, en una autoentrevista donde cuenta con sinceridad poco habitual sus deseos, frustraciones, gustos y aversiones literarias y personales. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Hey - Modern Library - here's another one for you!
This is an all but forgotten collection of travel essays.That those words could be said in reference to anything written by Truman Capote is a crime.I had to order this used (which I don't mind in the least - these books often have a character all their own), and was immediately capitvated by the "voice" of this singular artist.These essays are rich in the flavor of people, places and cultures encountered by Capote, whose luminous prose styling is everywhere in eveidence.I am continually awed by the the talent of the this writer.Over the past few months I've read almost everything in the canon and have never been less than thrilled by this author's use of language and imagery.It's time to get this book back in print.Vintage International publishes a beautiful paperback combining the novella "The Grass Harp" with "A Tree of Night and Other Stories" - why not publish these wonderful essays in a single volume with "The Muses Are Heard"?Well, we're all waiting. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Huge Disappointment
Unlike the other reviewer, who is clearly a fan of Mr. Dunphy's writing, I found this novel (not memoir) tedious and unreadable. Like most readers, I was hoping for a glimpse into the private life of Capote and his long time companion and what their special bond was. Instead, almost the entire book is about a fictitious Father Synge, who is struggling with his faith and his homosexuality. Even on that level, it fails as good storytelling; Dunphy's faux-literary style is simply third-rate and his "story" (don't expect plot) is interminable. A straightforward memoir would have worked so much better, but after reading this, I think Dunphy has neither the writing chops nor the courage to tell a straightforward and honest account of his relationship with Truman. Bottom line: this is NOT a memoir of Jack Dunphy's life with Truman Capote.

Is There a Way to Give 50 Stars?
Jack Dunphy's literary career was doubly cursed: first by his tendency to write hard, dark, and often bleak stories, the kind that rarely stand much of a chance with general audiences; second by his long relationship with Truman Capote, which had the effect of putting the far lesser-known Dunphy even further into the shadows. Those few who bother to seek out Dunphy's work now usually do so because they are Truman Capote fans and are curious about Capote's long-time paramour; but the fact is, unless a reader's taste in fiction is unusually wide-ranging (as I like to think mine is), the reader who likes Capote is very unlikely to enjoy the fiction of Jack Dunphy. Two more different writers, indeed, can hardly be imagined. Where Capote is lyrical, Dunphy is hard-edged; where Capote is sweet, almost sentimental, Dunphy can be merciless.

And "Dear Genius" is exactly the kind of brilliant Dunphy fiction that is practically guaranteed to alienate Capote fans. Yes, fiction: "Dear Genius," though billed as a memoir, is actually a *novel.* It does include Dunphy and Capote as characters (Dunphy narrates some sections), and one can safely assume that there is a good deal of factual material in the sections describing their lives together (or, more often, not together). But, in a move so audacious that one can hardly find words for it, Dunphy has interlaced a purely fictional narrative into the material, the story of a doubting priest, Father Synge, whose faltering faith is given a boost by a random encounter with an aging and drunk Truman Capote. But Father Synge is not really fictional: as Dunphy's headnote indicates, Synge is really himself, another version of himself. And Capote appears in a different guise too: as a brilliant young black boy named Robert Deveraux whom it will be Father's Synge's job to save from a dysfunctional mother. Truth and fiction, fiction and truth are interwoven here in scenes that can be so moving they bring tears to one's eyes---never more so than in the devastating final pages, as Father Synge comes to Dunphy's house to tell him that Capote has died. The final paragraph of "Dear Genius"---heartbroken, heart-breaking---deserves to rank right up there with Joyce's description of the falling snow at the end of "The Dead." Yes, it really is that good!

But "Dear Genius" is probably doomed to remain out of print and unread. The book irritates Capote readers, and in part they are justified in this: emblazoning the cover with the words "A Memoir of My Life With Truman Capote" is clearly false advertising, and it should be known that the subtitle was not Dunphy's but his publisher's (Dunphy had subtitled the manuscript "A Tribute To Truman Capote," which is vastly more accurate). But, over and above this, Dunphy is simply too demanding for many readers; he asks too much of those who are looking in his writing for something "like" his vastly more famous friend. Dunphy was like no one but himself. But if you are a reader who can rise to the challenge of difficult and utterly unique writing, do yourself a favor: find, read, and re-read a copy of "Dear Genius." (And while you're at it, do the same with Dunphy's "John Fury" and "Nightmovers.") ... Read more

Product Description
One of the most controversial American authors of the twentieth century, Truman Capote is best known as the author of In Cold Blood (1966), a work of literary journalism that recounts the slaughter of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, in 1959. But he also wrote numerous short stories, dozens of nonfiction pieces for popular magazines, several other novels, and some works for Hollywood and Broadway. Since his death in 1984, scholarly interest in his writings has grown considerably. This volume traces the critical reception of his works. Included are previously published reviews and essays, along with some pieces written specifically for this book. The volume is divided into several sections on broad topics. Each section is organized chronologically and traces both the development of Capote's talents and the evolution of critical attitudes toward his work. A comprehensive introduction charts the history of Capote's critical reception, and extensive bibliographic material records the present state of scholarship. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A nice, comprehensive work
I did my Junior Paper on Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood," and while doing research in the NY Public library, I came across this book.It was by and far the most helpful of the sources I found.This is acompilation of various essays from literary critics who comment on many ofCapote's works.I firmly believe that this book gave me a solid foundationin the analyzing of Mr. Capote's novel as well as a better understandingand familiarity with the idiosyncrasies of his works.I would recommendthis book to anyone who is attempting to gain critical input on Capote, aswell as to anyone who is simply interested in Capote's writing.Theobvious drawback is the stratospheric price, but if you can stomach it,this book offers nothing but quality. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

super fast delivery
I ordered the book on a Monday night and received it on Wednesday of the same week (I live in AZ). The description made the book sound worse than it really was. Excellent delivery speed and slightly worn used book, perfect for the price I paid.

In Cold Blood - My thoughts on the book
After reading the book I have to say that it was a good book. It was full of action, suspense, and some gory scenes. The first half of the book excited me more than the second half, I found that after the murdering was over the book slightly lost appeal, though the plot thickening and suspense kept me reading. The fact that there really was a killing involving the Clutters made the book almost awkward to read, I felt like I shouldn't have been reading it because it was based on the murdering of the Clutters. The plot was very well thought through and I believe the book is written in a way that keeps the reader from putting it down.

I recommend this book to almost everyone excluding the younger people out there, the scenes were slightly graphic. For the most part, this book was a great read.

In Cold Blood very true to actual events
I had to read this book for my Criminal Law class since it is my minor and I was surprised by how much I liked it. Truman Capote did a wonderful job at relaying the events of the murders and the whole span of events involving the crime.
In the rural town of Holcomb,Kansas in 1959 The Clutter family was murdered by Dick Hickock and Perry Smith in hopes to steal a rumored 10,000 dollars the family had in a safe. They left the scene of the crime with a mere 40 dollars and a few items from the house. An old cellmate of Hickock's gave him away to the KBI and they were apprehended soon after. The book gives account of the trials they hold and they were eventually sentenced to death. Capote got to know these men who murdered the Clutters and gave a compelling account of true facts of the whole story.
I highly recommend this book to anyone. You don't have to be interested in law to appreciate this book. A very controversial book at a time when no one wrote of murders like this.

In Cold Blood
This book is pretty good, Its considered a Nonfiction book since its based on the killings of the Clutters, but Truman did make up some of this stuff too. I watched a video about In Cold Blood, lemme tell ya, this Truman guy has the weirdest voice ever, and he has the 2 male killers in the book constantly calling each other 'Honey' and stuff... Its a pretty good attention getter for about the first half, but the last half gets kind of boring when Dick and Perry are being questioned and all that jazz. ... Read more

Product Description
In Cold Blood was a tremendously, horribly true story that consumed the life of, author, Truman Capote. Book is used with dj. Dust jacket has tear along spine where book also shows impact. Book and dj are in excellent non marked condition otherwise. ... Read more

Product Description
The official screenplay book tie-in to the "one of the best films of the year"(Rolling Stone, Newsweek), starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as legendary writer Truman Capote on his six-year journey to research and write his masterpiece In Cold Blood.

Capote: The Shooting Script includes the complete screenplay for the acclaimed film, a foreword by Gerald Clarke, author of the bestselling biography Capote, exclusive Q&As with screenwriter Dan Futterman and director Bennett Miller, and an 8-page color photo section. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Such A worthwhile script
This is an amazing script, that anyone who is interested in writing scripts should read. The complexity and subtext of the text will educate you and provide you with the example of what is required to write a truelly amazing script.

I don't know if it deserved the Academy Award, BUT ...
I can say that this is a great script, as I've been reading some pages around the internet and I'll surely buy this book very soon. The dialogue, as well as the whole script, is very realistic, and also very enjoyable.

I can't say if it really deserved the Award, but I can say that this script deserves to be read by every screenwriting fan.

This script deserved the Academy Award
Dan Futterman is a genius.It is pure magicianship how he weaves the texts of "Capote" the biography, "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote and whatever other research material he depended on, (not to mention his own witty imagination) into this gripping, thorough, and accomplished story.I am so sorry he got knocked down by the "Brokeback" voters - I've read both screenplays and their source materials and have seen both movies and this is by far the more insightful and entertaining.A must for any student of film writing.I look forward to Dan Futterman's future works.JPN, Bronx, NY ... Read more