Histrionic and malicious, unstable yet exquisite, Truman Capote was a caricature of himself who lived his life as though striving for mythic status. This magnificent biography of the elusive man follows the personal and literary trajectory of Capote's life: from his difficult childhood and early attempts at writing to his friendships with Marilyn Monroe, Tennessee Williams, and Jackie Kennedy; from his chilling investigation of the murders that lead to his masterpiece, In Cold Blood, to his turbulent personal life and destructive dependence on alcohol and tranquilizers. Developing this biography, the author collaborated with Capote himself and was given access to his personal diaries and correspondence, as well as permission to interview each of his closest friends. The result is this exhaustive, passionate, and definitive portrait of a talented and troubled man.