Nelson W. Aldrich, Jr. is a freelance writer and editor. Formerly
Paris editor of The Paris Review, a senior editor at Harper’s
Magazine, and a reporter for The Boston Globe, he is a frequent
contributor to such publications as The Atlantic, Harper’s, The
Nation, New England Monthly, and Vogue. He is the author of
George, Being George.
"This superb, exuberant oral biography of editor-author-actor
Plimpton (1927—2003) is described by Aldrich as 'a kind of literary
party, George's last.' When one scans any page at random in this
appealing assemblage of anecdotes, it becomes difficult to stop
reading. Plimpton's colorful personality emerges in a
high-definition prismatic portrait."—Publisher's Weekly, starred
review
"The variety and eminence of the voices contributing to this unique
biography of Plimpton offer a very personal look at a journalist
known for promoting a participatory style of reportage. The stories
are revealing, humorous, and evocative of the exuberance of
Plimpton himself and the company of writers in a fascinating era in
American literature. Photographs and correspondence add to the
sense of intimacy in this look at a beguiling figure."—Booklist
"Aldrich employs a rough though never rigid chronology throughout
these reminiscences, which vary in length from a few sentences to a
page or two. The impressive contributors list reads like a
literati’s dream: among many others, Chris Cerf, Robert Gottlieb,
Philip Gourevitch, Hugh Hefner, P.J. O’Rourke, William Styron, Gore
Vidal and Edmund White. A largely admiring mosaic with some pieces
that glisten and illuminate."—Kirkus
“Hugely entertaining . . . George is a character to be fondly
remembered, a hero of sorts, and a charmed and charming partner in
his own spirited dance to the music of time.”—New York Times Book
Review
“Superb, exuberant . . . Plimpton’s colorful personality emerges in
a high-definition prismatic portrait.”—Publishers Weekly, starred
review
“Dazzling bits of mosaic . . . vivid recollections and lively
anecdote.”—Boston Globe
“Compulsively readable.”—Newsweek
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