Truman Capote 1924to –1984
American fiction and nonfiction author, best known for Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood. Raised in the south, he began writing at age 11, and had his break with the short story “Miriam” at age 21. His follow up novel gained notoriety for its back cover photo depicting Capote suggestively lounging and making eyes at the camera. He was openly gay with an effeminate and affected manner, and though he battled homophobia throughout his rise to fame, he still managed to become a cultural darling and an adored member of the celebrity socialite set. His fame reach a peak with the publication of In Cold Blood, which he called a “nonfiction novel.” Heavy drinking marred the later part of his life, and In Cold Blood became the last novel he would ever finish. His long term relationship with writer Jack Dunphy lasted, in one form or another, from Capote’s 20s up until his death.