Gore Vidal, the celebrated American writer, earned a significant fortune in his lifetime. When he passed away in 2012, Vidal had a net worth of $30 million.
Vidal made a lasting impact on literature and politics during his time.
His sharp insights into societal norms and fearless exploration of controversial subjects made him a powerful figure in American writing.
Exploring Vidal’s financial legacy gives insights into how literary success and money intersect.
GORE VIDAL NET WORTHWhat was Gore Vidal net worth?
Gore Vidal, an American writer, had a net worth of $30 million when he died in 2012. He was famous for his clever and sharp works that questioned social and cultural norms across history.
Some of his best-known novels include “The City and the Pillar,” “Julian,” “Myra Breckinridge,” and “Lincoln.”
Besides writing, Vidal was active in politics. He tried to get elected to the US House of Representatives in 1960 and the US Senate in 1982, but he didn’t succeed.
Vidal wrote a lot about US history and social issues. His political and cultural essays appeared in The Nation, The New Statesman, the New York Review of Books, and Esquire magazine.
In his novels, Vidal explored corruption in both public and private life.
He stirred controversy with “The City and the Pillar” for its portrayal of a homosexual relationship. “Myra Breckinridge” delved into gender roles and sexual orientation as products of social norms.
Throughout his life, Vidal had many public disputes, notably with Truman Capote, William F. Buckley, and Norman Mailer.
Income Sources
Gore Vidal had diverse sources of income that reflected his varied career. He primarily earned from his successful writing career, which included:
- He wrote numerous novels, such as “The City and the Pillar” and “Lincoln,” which became very well-known.
- Producing essays and plays, like “Visit to a Small Planet” and “The Best Man,” which were adapted for various media.
- Involvement in writing for television and film.
- Occasionally, he took on acting roles, which added to his earnings.
Top-Selling Books
Gore Vidal’s top-selling books are considered classics in American literature. Here are some of his most popular works:
- “Lincoln” (1984): This historical novel, part of the Narratives of Empire series, focuses on Abraham Lincoln’s presidency during the American Civil War.
- “Burr” (1973): Another entry in the Narratives of Empire series, this novel presents a fictional memoir of Aaron Burr, the third Vice President of the United States.
- “Creation” (1981): A sweeping historical novel that spans the ancient world from Greece to China.
Readers and critics alike rank these books highly, showcasing Vidal’s skill as a writer and his intellectual depth.
His works often delve into themes of power, politics, and history, offering insightful perspectives on American society.
Houses and Car Collection
Gore Vidal, the celebrated American writer and public intellectual, lived a captivating life that went beyond his literary accomplishments. Let’s explore his homes and some intriguing details:
La Rondinaia:
- Location: Vidal’s cliff-hugging villa in Ravello, Italy, overlooked the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Salerno.
- Description: The house resembled a stage set, meticulously designed to reflect Vidal’s personality. It featured framed pictures of influential friends, creating an ambiance reminiscent of an old star’s abode.
- Rental: La Rondinaia is now available for private rentals. During peak months, it costs approximately $13,000 per night, or $90,000 per week.
Other Homes:
- Vidal also owned other homes, including one with a modest appearance from the outside, marked by simple doors and a window resembling a porthole. The name of Jesus Christ is carved on a stone lintel.
- Another estate known as The Swallow’s Nest sat atop a 1,000-foot hill on the Amalfi Coast. It hosted luminaries such as Tennessee Williams, Andy Warhol, Greta Garbo, and Mick Jagger. The property has since been sold to a luxury hotelier.
Gore Vidal’s homes were not merely places to live; they were extensions of his larger-than-life persona, where myth-building and social interactions unfolded against stunning backdrops.
Early Life and Education
Gore Vidal, originally named Eugene Luther Vidal, was born on October 3, 1925, in West Point, New York.
His father, Army officer and athlete Eugene Sr., was serving as the inaugural aeronautics instructor at the US Military Academy’s cadet hospital.
His mother, socialite and actress Nina Gore, divorced his father in 1935, leading to subsequent marriages that resulted in nine half-siblings.
Growing up in Washington, DC, Vidal attended Sidwell Friends School and St. Albans School. He was baptized by the headmaster of St. Albans when he was 13.
Vidal then went on to attend the Los Alamos Ranch School in New Mexico before transferring to Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire.
Instead of pursuing college, he enlisted in the US Army at age 17 and served as an office clerk in the USAAF.
Vidal later became a maritime warrant officer in the Transportation Corps and subsequently served as the first mate of an Army freight and supply ship in the Aleutian Islands.
Gore Vidal Net Worth, Awards and Honors
On top of his $30 million net worth, the prolific American writer has received several awards and accolades throughout his distinguished career. Here are some notable ones:
- National Book Award: Vidal won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 1993 for his collected essays titled “United States.” This work showcased his incisive commentary on American culture, politics, and history.
- Ambassador Book Award for American Arts and Letters: In 1989, Vidal was honored with the Ambassador Book Award for his significant contributions to American arts and letters.
- National Book Critics Circle Award for Criticism: His thought-provoking essays earned him the National Book Critics Circle Award for Criticism in 1982.
Legacy and Influence: Critics may debate which of his works is the finest, but Vidal’s cumulative achievements solidified his position as one of the greatest American men of letters in his era.