The PEN/Borders Literary Service Award is out with the name of their first winner and its no other than the legendary American author Gore Vidal. In a statement, Borders Group CEO George Jones said, ‘a truly distinguished American writer whose critically acclaimed work helps us to understand the human condition in original and powerful ways. The breadth and depth of Gore Vidal’s brilliant work, his courage in speaking out, even at times when free speech has been at risk in our country, and his lifelong commitment to democracy, justice, reason, and common sense make him the ideal recipient of the inaugural PEN/Borders Literary Service Award.’
Vidal, now 81 has authored a number of novels, stage plays, screenplays, and essays. He is well known for his bitter criticism of American politics. His novels such as Burr, Lincoln and Myra Breckenridge highly acclaimed. His novel, The City and the Pillar, created a good deal of controversy as it was the first novel to feature clear cut homosexuality. Being from a political family background, Vidal takes genuine interest in politics. His literature also reflects the same. Vidal has even acted in some movies and usually returns to scriptwriting. Multi-talented is the word I have for this genius.
Source: USAtoday
