Sam Kashner

Sam Kashner is an American journalist, contributing editor at Vanity Fair magazine, and author known for his biographical works and Hollywood histories. His writing frequently explores the lives of cultural icons, film stars, and literary figures of the 20th century. Kashner's notable works include "Furious Love: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and the Marriage of the Century" (co-written with Nancy Schoenberger) and "The Fabulous Bouvier Sisters: The Tragic and Glamorous Lives of Jackie and Lee" (also with Schoenberger). His books often combine extensive research with first-hand interviews and previously unpublished materials. As a contributing editor at Vanity Fair, Kashner has written numerous in-depth articles about Hollywood's golden age and its major figures. His work has covered subjects ranging from the making of classic films to behind-the-scenes accounts of notable Hollywood relationships and feuds. Beyond his journalism and biographical works, Kashner has also served as a professor of English at the College of William & Mary. His 2004 memoir "When I Was Cool: My Life at the Jack Kerouac School" chronicles his experiences as the first student at Allen Ginsberg's Buddhist-inspired poetry school.

Readers praise Kashner's deep research and storytelling abilities in his Hollywood biographies, with many noting his insider access to sources and ability to uncover new details about well-known figures. Readers like: - Extensive interviews and primary sources - Engaging narrative style that moves quickly - Balance of personal stories and historical context - Coverage of both famous and lesser-known Hollywood figures Readers dislike: - Occasional focus on sensational elements over substance - Some repetition between books - Writing can be disorganized in places Amazon ratings average 4.2/5 stars across his books: - When I Was Cool (2004): 4.1/5 from 52 reviews - Furious Love (2010): 4.4/5 from 431 reviews - The Only Girl (2018): 4.3/5 from 89 reviews Goodreads ratings average 3.8/5: "Well-researched but sometimes gets lost in the details" is a common review theme. Multiple readers note his books are "perfect for classic film buffs" but may not engage general audiences.

When I Was Cool: My Life at the Jack Kerouac School (2004) A memoir detailing Kashner's experiences as the first student at Allen Ginsberg's Buddhist poetry school in Colorado.

Furious Love: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and the Marriage of the Century (2010) A detailed account of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's relationship, featuring personal letters and interviews.

The Fabulous Bouvier Sisters: The Tragic and Glamorous Lives of Jackie and Lee (2018) A dual biography exploring the complex relationship between Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her sister Lee Radziwill.

Sinatraland (2004) A novel following the story of a Sinatra-obsessed salesman who writes letters to his idol.

Life Isn't Everything: Mike Nichols, as Remembered by 150 of His Closest Friends (2019) An oral history of director Mike Nichols compiled through interviews with colleagues and friends.

The Bad and the Beautiful: Hollywood in the Fifties (2002) A chronicle of Hollywood during the 1950s examining key figures and events of the era.

Fashion Climbing: A Memoir with Photographs (2018) A posthumously published memoir of fashion photographer Bill Cunningham, edited by Kashner.

Peter Biskind Wrote extensively about Hollywood's history and scandals through books like "Easy Riders, Raging Bulls" and "Down and Dirty Pictures." His research methods and focus on film industry power players mirror Kashner's approach to Hollywood history.

J. Randy Taraborrelli Specializes in biographies of entertainment figures including Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, and Michael Jackson. His work combines deep archival research with interviews of associates and family members, similar to Kashner's biographical style.

Joyce Johnson Chronicles the Beat Generation through both memoirs and biographies, including "Minor Characters" about Jack Kerouac. Her personal connection to the Beat writers and ability to blend memoir with cultural history aligns with Kashner's work on the Beat Generation.

William J. Mann Focuses on Hollywood biographies and the film industry's golden age through works like "Kate: The Woman Who Was Hepburn" and "The Wars of the Roosevelts." His examination of cultural icons and use of previously unexplored sources parallels Kashner's biographical approach.

Donald Spoto Writes biographies of film personalities like Alfred Hitchcock, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor. His combination of film industry knowledge and biographical detail matches Kashner's exploration of Hollywood figures and relationships.