Empire of Self

"Empire of Self" is an authorized biography of Gore Vidal that offers an intimate and candid look into his complex life, drawing from 30 years of friendship and conversation. Crafted by Jay Parini, the book explores Vidal's colorful interactions with notable figures of the American Century, revealing both the glamorous surface and the deeper emotional and personal truths. Through careful examination and exclusive access to Vidal's papers, the biography provides an engaging and comprehensive portrait of one of America's most influential and provocative writers.