Yale Bulletin and Calendar

November 14, 2003|Volume 32, Number 11

Gore Vidal

Author Gore Vidal to participate
in event in his honor

A rare appearance by author Gore Vidal will highlight a symposium being held in his honor at Yale on Wednesday, Nov. 19, by the Larry Kramer Initiative for Lesbian and Gay Studies.

"A Symposium on Gore Vidal" will take place at 7 p.m. in Davies Auditorium, Becton Engineering and Applied Science Center, 15 Prospect St. The event is free and open to the public; however, seating is limited, so admission will be on a first-come basis.

The symposium celebrates the life and work of Vidal on the 55th anniversary of the publication of his groundbreaking book "The City and the Pillar." This early text is credited with promoting a new understanding of identity, celebrating same-sex sexuality while at the same time refuting any essential distinction between same-sex and male-female couples.

Vidal's many other works include "Myra Breckenridge" and its sequel "Myron," the historical novels "Julian" (about Julius Caesar) and "Lincoln," the satiric play "Visit to a Small Planet" and a collection of essays titled "United States," which won a National Book Award. This year marks the publication of Vidal's newest book -- "Inventing a Nation: Washington, Adams, Jefferson," from Yale University Press -- as well as the re-issue of the long-out-of-print "The City and the Pillar."

The symposium speakers will include writer and activist Larry Kramer, who will present introductory remarks, and leading Vidal scholars Donald Pease, Michael Moon, Marcie Frank and author David Leavitt, who will present papers examining the impact of "The City and the Pillar." A roundtable discussion with Vidal will follow the presentations.

For more information about the symposium, contact Jonathan Katz, executive coordinator of the Kramer Initiative, at (203) 432-8796 or at lgs@yale.edu.

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Campus Notes