Truman Capote's stories, novels, plays and non-fiction are recognized as literary classics. During his lifetime, he became notorious for his drinking behavior and problems while under the influence of alcohol and drugs which lead to his early death.
Truman Capote's Early Life
Truman Capote was born Truman Streckfus Persons on September 30, 1924 in New Orleans, Lousiana, the son of 17-year-old Lillie Mae (nee Faulk) and Archelaus Persons who were divorced when he was four years old. He was neglected by his parents and raised primarily by his mother's relatives. Capote spent a great deal of time alone and taught himself to read and write before entering first grade. At age ten, he submitted a short story, “Old Busybody” to a children's writing contest sponsored by the Mobile Press Register. Capote moved to New York in 1933 to live with his mother and second husband, who adopted him and changed his name to Truman Garcia Capote.
Truman Capote's Writing Career
Truman Capote was seriously writing by the time he was eleven-years-old, spending three hours a day in much the way other children practiced musical instruments. He is quoted as saying that, “I wish obsessed with it.” In 1939, Capote attended Greenwich High School and wrote for the school's literary journal and the school newspapers.
When he was 17, Capote ended his formal education and began working at the New Yorker, sorting cartoons and clipping newspapers. During this time, he tried to have his writing published in the magazine to no avail. His first successes were in 1945, when George Davis, editor of Mademoiselle , published several of his short stories. Soon afterwards, Harper's Bazaar published Capote's short story, "A Tree of Light" to be followed by other stories that gave him entry into the New York literary world.
Capote's first novel, Other Voices, Other Rooms was published in 1948 which sold well for a first-time author. In spite of its homosexual theme, his talent as a writer was recognized. In 1949, he published a collection of short stories and in 1950, his travel essays were put into a book. He continued writing and In 1958 he scored one of his greatest successes, Breakfast at Tiffany's. The book, In Cold Blood brought Capote acclaim and great wealth as it was a huge commercial success. His last major work, Music for Chameleons, a collection of nonfiction and fiction pieces was published in 1980.
Truman Capote's Love Affairs
Truman Capote's life-love affair began in 1948 when he met author Jack Durphy and the two began a 35-year relationship. They lived and traveled together while each worked on his own books. Although the relationship became strained in time because of Capote's drinking and taking drugs, they remained close. Meanwhile, Capote had relationships with younger men.
Truman Capote and Alcoholism
The reasons given for Capote's alcoholism include his unhappy childhood intensified by his mother's drinking problem. After the publication of In Cold Blood, he began drinking more and started taking tranquilizers to soothe his frayed nerves. Over the next years, his substance abuse problems escalated resulting in deteriorating health. He died on August 25, 1984, and today his work is still recognized as literary classic.
Bibliography:
Robert Emmet Long, Truman Capote: Enfant Terrible. Continuum International Publishing Group, London/NY 2008. 130 pages.
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