Truman Capote

Truman Capote (New Orleans, September 30, 1924 – August 25, 1984) was born Truman Streckfus Persons in New Orleans and grew up in Monroeville, Alabama. Alongside Carson McCullers, Eudora Welty, and William Faulkner, he represents (in his own eccentric way) the literature of the American South. Notably, in Harper Lee's famous novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," the character of the young, quirky Dill is inspired by Capote. His literary career began when he moved to New York City, where he quickly became almost famous: both for his short stories and his unusual attire. His first novel, "Other Voices, Other Rooms," was published in 1948 and caused a scandal due to its exploration of homosexuality. Capote then traveled to Europe, published a collection of short stories, and became an indispensable presence at parties on both continents. This was followed by the novel "The Grass Harp" (1951), and "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1958), which celebrates the city of New York and life outside social conventions. He was honored twice with the O. Henry Short Story Prize, the National Institute of Arts and Letters Creative Writing Award, and the Edgar Award. Capote's engagement with journalism culminated in the non-fiction novel "In Cold Blood," inspired by a heinous crime that occurred in Kansas. As noted by critics and his biographers (such as Joseph Waldmeir and George Plimpton), Truman Capote was "a Southern, gothic writer, journalist, and bon vivant."