Tom Wolfe
Full Name and Common Aliases
Thomas Kennerly Wolfe Jr., widely known as Tom Wolfe, was a towering figure in American literature and journalism. His distinctive style and sharp wit earned him a place among the most influential writers of the 20th century.
Birth and Death Dates
Tom Wolfe was born on March 2, 1930, in Richmond, Virginia, and passed away on May 14, 2018, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and provoke thought.
Nationality and Profession(s)
An American by nationality, Wolfe was a prolific author and journalist. He was a pioneer of the New Journalism movement, which blended literary techniques with traditional reporting, and he was also a celebrated novelist and essayist.
Early Life and Background
Tom Wolfe grew up in a well-to-do family in Richmond, Virginia. His father, Thomas Kennerly Wolfe Sr., was an agronomist and editor, while his mother, Helen Hughes Wolfe, was a landscape designer. Wolfe's early education took place at St. Christopher's School in Richmond, where he developed a keen interest in writing and journalism. He went on to attend Washington and Lee University, where he majored in English and edited the college newspaper. Wolfe's academic journey continued at Yale University, where he earned a Ph.D. in American Studies. His educational background laid a strong foundation for his future career in writing and journalism.
Major Accomplishments
Tom Wolfe's career was marked by numerous accomplishments that set him apart as a literary innovator. He was a leading figure in the New Journalism movement, which emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. This movement sought to infuse traditional journalism with the narrative techniques of fiction, creating a more immersive and engaging form of storytelling. Wolfe's work in this genre was groundbreaking, and he became known for his vivid prose and keen observational skills.
In addition to his contributions to journalism, Wolfe was a successful novelist. His debut novel, "The Bonfire of the Vanities," published in 1987, was a critical and commercial success, cementing his reputation as a master storyteller. Wolfe's ability to capture the zeitgeist of American society in his writing made him a cultural icon.
Notable Works or Actions
Tom Wolfe's body of work is extensive and varied, reflecting his diverse interests and talents. Among his most notable works is "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test" (1968), a non-fiction book that chronicles the counterculture movement of the 1960s. This work is considered a classic of New Journalism and remains a seminal text in understanding the era.
Another significant work is "The Right Stuff" (1979), which explores the lives of test pilots and astronauts involved in the early U.S. space program. The book was adapted into a successful film and is regarded as one of Wolfe's finest achievements.
Wolfe's novels, including "The Bonfire of the Vanities" and "A Man in Full" (1998), further showcase his ability to dissect and critique American society with wit and insight. His writing often delved into themes of ambition, power, and the complexities of human nature.
Impact and Legacy
Tom Wolfe's impact on literature and journalism is profound. He redefined the boundaries of non-fiction writing, inspiring a generation of journalists and authors to experiment with narrative form. His work challenged conventional norms and encouraged writers to embrace creativity and innovation in their storytelling.
Wolfe's legacy extends beyond his literary contributions. He was a keen observer of American culture, and his insights into the social and political dynamics of his time continue to resonate with readers today. His distinctive style, characterized by its exuberance and attention to detail, has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Tom Wolfe is widely quoted and remembered for his incisive commentary on American life and his ability to capture the essence of an era. His quotes often reflect his sharp wit and keen understanding of human nature, making them relevant and thought-provoking. Wolfe's work continues to be studied and admired for its innovative approach and its ability to illuminate the complexities of society.
In summary, Tom Wolfe's contributions to literature and journalism have made him a lasting figure in American culture. His pioneering spirit and unique voice have ensured that his work remains influential and that his quotes continue to inspire and challenge readers around the world.
Quotes by Tom Wolfe
Tom Wolfe's insights on:
He adopted a role called being a father so that his child would have something mythical and infinitely important: a protector.
Adopted a role called being a father so that his child would have something mythical and infinitely important: a Protector.
One belongs to New York instantly; one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.
He adopted a role called "being a father" so that his child would have something mythical and infinitely important: a protector.
It was that hour of dusk when the streetlights and headlights come on but make little difference.
There was a time in the 1930s when magazine writers could actually make a good living. 'The Saturday Evening Post' and 'Collier's' both had three stories in each issue. These were usually entertaining, and people really went for them. But then television came along, and now of course, information technology... the new way of killing time.
The seven men pressed on. They were tired of the designation of “capsule” for the Mercury vehicle. The term as much as declared that the man inside was not a pilot but an experimental animal in a pod. Gradually, everybody began trying to work the term “spacecraft” into NASA publications and syllabuses. Next.
Then he put that one down behind a framed sepia-tone picture of a baseball player named Cecil Travis and picked up another one and tilted it back to his lips.
What makes you think you can come before the bench waving the banner of community pressure? The law is not a creature of the few or of the many.