Key West Literary Seminar –Session I- Part II

January 14, 2009

Gore Vidal



Peter Matthiessen

Key West Literary Seminar –Session I- Part II



The seminar offers a wonderful opportunity to not only hear writers give readings and presentations, but over the course of a weekend there is ample opportunity for participants to interact on a much more personal level with the authors. The number of attendees is limited to the capacity of the San Carlos and this ensures that there is never any overcrowding and that everyone has plenty of chances to ask questions and participate in discussions.





It really is much better in that there are far fewer of what I like to call the “crazed questioner” than at events such as the Miami Book Fair. The crazed questioner is the person who gets up and asks questions that are invariably about themselves or some agenda and often have little or nothing to do with the topic. They drive me crazy and it is refreshing to find very few if any in the intelligent and literate crowd in attendance at the Key West Literary Seminar.



The highlight of the first session was the John Malcolm Brinnin Memorial which this year featured Gore Vidal in conversation with Jay Parini. Vidal’s reputation as an irascible cuss preceded his appearance and his interactions at seminar functions prior to his presentation did nothing to disprove it. It was with some trepidation that I joined Arlo and a crew of volunteers to assist Mr. Vidal in getting on stage at the San Carlos, which lacks a ramp.

Waiting backstage for Mr. Vidal

The Green Room

View from the Stage



All our worries were quickly allayed as Mr. Vidal proved to be the consummate professional in arriving to deliver a wonderful performance that had his full repertoire of biting wit and intelligent observation on display. It was a remarkable evening. Afterwards, he even joined the crowd at a champagne reception at The Custom’s House, where he calmly received accolades from the assembled throngs. It was a sight to behold.

Gore Vidal & Peter Matthiessen



CSPAN Book TV control room

The Customs House is featuring a wonderful art exhibit from the wonderful local artist John Martini who is well known for his immense metal sculptures that are found throughout Key West. It is a show that is well worth checking out if you get a chance.







Round one of the seminar wrapped up with yet another wonderful party, this time at the beautiful home of John Padget. Home is really an insufficient term to describe the wonderful compound which actually consists of four houses and the beautiful pool and garden that is their shared backyard. It was a fantastic party and a wonderful way to close out the first weekend of the seminar.





Libby York