The son of a tailor who emigrated from the Calabrian town of Maida, Gay Talese—now ninety-four—is regarded as one of the pioneers of “New Journalism” and revolutionized the reporting of reality by combining news and narrative techniques. His vast personal and professional archive has been acquired by the New York Public Library, which will make it available for consultation beginning in 2029. The collection spans over eighty years of activity, from his early articles to era-defining reportages such as the acclaimed “Frank Sinatra Has a Cold” (1966), a model for narrative journalism. The collection contains manuscripts, typescripts, photographs, notes, diaries, and substantial correspondence with key people in American culture such as Tom Wolfe, Philip Roth, and Nora Ephron. Highlights include color preparation sketches and cards with interview notes, demonstrating the writer’s meticulous, almost artisanal approach. “A valuable resource for scholars and readers”, the library added. Born in Ocean City in 1932, Talese began his career at the New York Times before moving on to The New Yorker and Harper’s. Among his books are “Honor Thy Father” and “To the Sons”, dedicated to his Italian-American roots.
News Source: 9Colonne
