The Golden Age: An American Chronicle Novel

Gore Vidal's "The Golden Age" is a magnificent book by our greatest living author and man of letters. As the capstone on his historical novelization of the rise and decline of the American Empire, it is a fitting end to a series which enlightens and entertains. For Vidal strips away the myth of America that neo-conservatism seeks at virtually all cost to perpetuate, be it the myth of a noble "Founding," the myth of a saintly and simple Abraham Lincoln, the myth of a noble empire bent on enlightening the world out of sheer altruism, the myth that we fought World War II because we were attacked without provocation, or the myth that our actions at the beginning of the Cold War were entirely in reaction to those of the Soviet Union. This is Vidal's great theme. Over the course of his work, the main line of character development lies, not so much in Vidal's people, as in the country and then the nation itself. Vidal grew up surrounded by the men who became the ghosts that haunt our history; which is why, I suppose, that the end of this book is so fitting and so beautiful a finale to what has become a monumental work.

Whether or not one agrees with every last thing Vidal says, I have to say I found myself doing once again what I always do when I read one of his historical novels - rushing to read the history books on the era - I did the same thing with Lincoln, Burr and Empire (not to mention Julian and Creation). And I agree with the reviewer who says, Hurrah for Vidal's last hurrah. The Golden Age is a highly entertaining literary read.Do not be too shocked by some of the claims here that Vidal is skewering the memory of Pearl Harbor (for example)- the detached reader can more than see what Vidal is up to and come to his own conclusion. Just enjoy it, and see if you aren't very interested in making your own exploration of the era with a armful of history books.

There is an old saying that when it's time to go out, go out with a bang. This is exactly what Gore Vidal does in this, the last novel in his "American Chronicles" series. An updating and rewriting of his earlier novel, "Washington, D.C.," "The Golden Age" shifts its focus to the nation as a whole and the chain of events that involved us in World War 2 and the Cold War. Gossipy and inclusive rather than pedantic and exclusive (as many historical novels tend to be), Vidal gives the reader the view of an insider, partially because he had grown up on the fringes of that inside. Among the many historical character the reader meets in the pages of the novel is none other than Gore Vidal himself. This should be no surprise as Vidal is one of the most autobiographical of American authors, his memoir "Palimpsest" reading almost like a novel. Non-Vidal fans may not like the Calvino-esque ending, but those among us who love Vidal's writings will feel more than a touch of sadness at the end. More entertaining than "Empire" or "Hollywood," "The Golden Age" belongs on the shelf of all serious readers.

Following on the heels of "Burr," Lincoln," "Empire," and "Washington, D.C.," among others, we now have another fictional take on American history from one whom some have dubbed the penultimate curmudgeon. Whether that sobriquet is true or not, one thing is for sure - he is always entertaining and enlightening. He does make us think! However, this audiobook is even more than entertaining and enlightening - it's a terrific listen as rendered by Broadway actress Kathryn Walker. Her inflections are perfect, and she has those Gore-isms down pat. She not only reads with skill but also with understanding. A particularly delicious reading occurs in the section in which Vidal places himself in his own saga. All in all, a topnotch tale offered by an A-one performer.

Having read all of the books in this series, I found this one to be my favorite. Perhaps because some of the era covered is part of my era; it brought the reality of politics to the forefront with drama and excitement. An excellent read for both fiction and history buffs! Gore Vidal fans will not be able to put this one down.