Washington, D.C.

A novel of pre-war politics and the dawn of the American Empire. Three men, the son of a newspaper tycoon, an aging but hale senator and the senator's poor but ambitious aide cross from the corridors of power on Capitol Hill to the drawing rooms of power in the surrounding city. Titanic events in the world at large dwarf them, but they are at the heart of the political and cultural elite and the poison and futility of politics is matched by their squalid family dealings.

It won't come as a surprise to a modern reader, wheeling and dealing, the back-biting and back-stabbing, the scandalous private behaviour of public moral stalwarts, the cynical manufacturing of an imaginary politician for an unscrupulous and hollow man to inhabit. If show more anything, we expect worse in this day and age. We expect, nay demand greater depths of depravity plumbed by our corrupt overlords. Nonetheless, this is an accomplished, poised and insightful novel. What surprised me was the reserve of the prose. I expected wit and venom in every word, but Vidal confines the verbals to dialogue or reported speech or the thoughts of our protagonists, and this certainly gives the novel a literary gravity without sacrificing the odd scathing phrase. show less

More than half a lifetime ago (and if I’m not an old geezer I am certainly also not a spring chicken) I read both Burr and Lincoln. I had no idea then that these were part of Gore Vidal’s American Chronicle, a collection of seven historical novels tracing American history through the eyes of the Schuyler family from revolutionary times to the dawn of the 21st century. I adored those first two books which though set chronologically early were actually written after Washington D.C. which is set from 1937 to 1952 and spans the presidencies of FDR, Truman, and Eisenhower. While in Burr and Lincoln the titular men are major characters, in WDC the historical figures are mere backdrop while the fictional characters: an ambitious senator show more and his protege, a media mogul and his two children, are the protagonists. But the city itself is also a main character. WDC is a case study in ambition, power, politics, federalism, money, the media, and the delightfully entertaining people who make up that world. Some are serious, thoughtful, ideological, or adrift. Others are venal or simply socialites who like to party and gossip. Many are privileged but they all have their issues. What makes the book fascinating, enduring, and an extremely relevant read today is the recognition that Vidal understood the essence of what makes this country and its leaders tick. What was true in the 60s when he wrote the novel was true in the wartime and post war period and remains true today. And while the messages and themes are deep and serious Vidal has such a wicked and playful sense of humor that you can’t help but laugh at how it all plays out. show less

Consider me scorned. I thought Gore was sincere when he swept me away. Burr left me panting. It had balance, it was quick but solid. I nearly swooned.

Now? Washington D.C reeked of hyperbole; a kiss and tell where Vidal begs with glee, look at me. The novel is a settling of scores poised between ludicrous coincidences. A moldy snapshot of cocktail parties and dirty deeds. It is a Jackie Collins for the Beltway. Now I'm not so sure. If Gore comes a knocking, I'll gird myself, stay dressed, but above all, remain polite.

There has been a lean towards a third star this evening. I don't think the addition would be fair.

Extremely well written. Vidal places interesting characters at the center of interesting historical times. The resulting story is engaging and insightful into social animal human nature.

Another engaging yarn from the pen of Gore Vidal. As with all authors i enjoy, it seems he could write about oil changes and i would like it.

He outlines the broad story of Washington DC families intertwined with politics, their behavior, their motivations, their ambitions, their status. Heavy on family rather than legislative politics, the book skewers our country’s self-serving leaders by giving us a fictionalized glimpse behind the curtain. Broad strokes through about 5 or 6 different sections of the book spanning about 10-15 years tell us what we need to know about obtaining and maintaining political power in the US according to Vidal. I didn’t care too much about any of the characters but i think it was supposed to be viewed show more from afar like a myth or fable where we can gain perspective on our own human condition, filling in blanks as needed. i also wasn't too profoundly affected philosophically or emotionally; i found nothing too deep here but i felt that Vidal had real insight into this kind of thing so it intrigued me. the best way i can describe it right now is to liken it to a leaner less mean version of Game of Thrones. show less

Set during the last years of FDR's presidency through that of Truman, this is a look at politicians and life in Washington DC and the intersection of politics and the press. James Burden Day is a powerful conservative senator, his assistant, Clay Overbury, is a charming up and coming handsome man whose eye is set on the presidency. Blaise Sanford is a wealthy and powerful publisher with two children: Enid who marries Clay, and Peter who eventually edits a left-wing newspaper. Enid marries Clay but the marriage is filled with affairs and alcoholism. Divorce is not conducive to getting elected so Clay and this father-in-law Blaise attempt to confine Enid in an institution.

Peter comes across as a major character in the story touching the show more lives of all. The story is true Vidal style; humorous, cynical, and interesting with a backdrop of real characters. All in all, a good read about a time in American history that is not commonly seen in novels. show less

While this is not my favorite Gore Vidal novel, it has some interesting elements. The story is really about two politicians: The first is a fading southern conservative democrat, and the other is a rising you star from the same state. While this takes place during the Roosevelt (and early Truman) administration, the novel could almost have been written about a later time. The younger politician takes much from Kennedy (for example his war hero status), but some could also come out of the life of Bill Clinton (who was probably unknown when the book was written). The big difference between this work and much of the other Vidal works, is the the small scale used here. There is no grand international (or imperial) setting. Much of the story show more takes place in the homes or offices of politicians. show less