40 years since the death of Truman Capote

Truman Capote He is considered the father of “new journalism” and one of the most influential American writers of the 20th century. Today, August 25, marks the 40th anniversary of his death.

“Alcoholic, drug addict, homosexual and genius” was the way he defined himself. The author of great works such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s y In Cold Bloodwhich brought him worldwide fame, knew how to revolutionize the journalism of the time by adding literary resources to his writings and creating a new genre: the non-fiction novel.

In Cold Blood follows the story and the author’s six-year investigation into the murder of four farmers in Kansas. The literary account is therefore based on real events.

At the age of 20 he wrote his first story Miriam for which he won the O’Henry Prize and was critically acclaimed. His first book was published in 1948 Other voices, other rooms and was a New York Times bestseller for weeks.

Truman Capote died at the age of 60 due to liver disease caused by excessive alcohol and pill consumption throughout his life.