Gore Vidal, 2009 in NYC (image by David Shankbone via Wikipedia) Sad news this morning: Gore Vidal, 86, has passed away as a result of complications from pneumonia. The witty, sardonic writer had a prolific career that included the publication of more than 25 novels, 8 plays, 14 screenplays, and numerous works of nonfiction and essays. The NY Times called him an "Augustan figure who believed himself to be the last of a breed, and he was probably right." Vidal was also a well known political activist and critic. Besides his accomplishments as a writer and intellectual, Vidal was a popular public figure whose sharp tongued sound bytes were reminiscent of Twain. ("Every time a friend succeeds, I die a little.")

It's hard to choose, but I think my favorite Vidal quote is: "Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn." Words to live by. After the jump are links to obituaries, interviews, and quotes. RIP, Mr. Vidal. 

Prolific, Elegant, Acerbic Writer Gore Vidal, US writer and contrarian, dies aged 86 Gore Vidal dies; imperious gadfly and prolific, graceful writer was 86  Gore Vidal, American Writer and Cultural Critic, Dies Five Decades of Writing and Reviews Read a 2007 essay in Smithsonian by Gore Vidal, last writer of his kind  Gore Vidal Archive Gore Vidal, The Art of Fiction No. 50 (1974) Gore Vidal Interviewed by Melvyn Bragg (2010) A Conversation with Gore Vidal Gore Vidal: In quotes Gore Vidal Quotes: 26 of the Best