THE OVERREACHERS

by Gay Talese ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

Report repeated from p. 865 when first scheduled for publication as follows: ""The tissue-thin carryall for this generally lively series of portraits of a handful of New York headliners, from Frank Costello to Christian Paolozzi, is the tendency of celebrities to climb too far, to take the extra steps! The portraits range from an affectionate round with Joe Louis, apparently recovered from giant steps, to a pseudo-sociological study of that old original, Frank Costello, to two fascinating portraits in depth -- of Joshua Logan (including a searing rehearsal fracas), and Floyd Patterson, agonizing in frustration and defeat. The jovial poke at the attenuated ladies of Vogue is great fun, and a fringe volley at the displaced Paris Review bunch pops off a few literary sparrows. Wandering vaguely quite of his own accord, the Times' 'off-beat' man is, in turn, genuinely involved in his subjects, wryly removed and sometimes, when interviewing a genuine kook, torn between ennui and flippancy. Closing with the usual journalistic blushing tribute to the beloved city, this scoop of snoops in light, enjoyable, stimulating. A gift natural.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1965

Categories: NONFICTION