The Golden Age

by Gore Vidal
The Golden Age cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 5346
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780307816610
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 2012-03-14
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Golden Age is the final volume in Gore Vidal's acclaimed Narratives of Empire series, providing a sweeping historical novel that captures the essence of America's evolution from a republic to an empire. Through the eyes of Caroline Sanford and her nephew Peter, the novel delves into the political maneuvers of Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman, as well as the cultural shifts in Washington D.C., Hollywood, and New York. Vidal's signature wit and insightful commentary bring to life a cast of real historical figures, offering a unique and unillusioned view of American power and its consequences. This novel is not just a historical account but a profound exploration of human fate and the complexities of power. Vidal's unrivaled penetration, wit, and high drama make The Golden Age a supreme entertainment that challenges readers' understanding of American history and the nature of empire.

Reviews
Bookstellyouwhy · 2019-10-03
divided 3.00

Opinions on the book are divided, with some considering it Vidal's best work, while others find it repetitive and confusing.

The blog post 'Book Spotlight: The Golden Age by Gore Vidal' presents a divided opinion on the book. Some readers consider it to be the best work of Vidal's historical fiction, praising its depth and historical insight. However, others find the book repetitive and confusing, suggesting that the narrative can be challenging to follow. The post highlights that while the book has its merits, it may not be as accessible or engaging for all readers.

Quick quotes

    While considered by some to be the best work of Vidal's historical fiction, others find The Golden Age to be repetitive and confusing.

    Some readers appreciate the book's depth and historical insight, while others struggle with its complexity.

    The book's narrative can be challenging to follow, making it less accessible for some readers.

London Review of Books · Zachary Leader · 2001-06-21
insightful 3.50

The book's focus on Pearl Harbor is seen as both insightful and unbalancing. Vidal's historical fiction is praised for its depth and wit.

Zachary Leader highlights that Gore Vidal's focus on Pearl Harbor in 'The Golden Age' is both insightful and central to the narrative. However, they argue that this focus might unbalance the series, causing it to end on a somewhat uneven note. Leader appreciates Vidal's wit and historical depth, noting that the book offers a unique perspective on U.S. history. They also mention that Vidal's treatment of historical events and figures is both penetrating and dramatic, making the book a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Vidal is right to press the issue of Pearl Harbor, but its centrality in The Golden Age not only unbalances the series (causing it to end with a whimper rather than a bang).

    It is a measure of Vidal's skill that he can make the reader care about these events, even if the connections between them are sometimes tenuous.

    Vidal's historical fiction is notable for its wit and penetration, and The Golden Age is no exception.

Kirkus Reviews · 2000-10-10
witty 3.50

The book is described as talky and labored in its connections to earlier books in the series, but the dialogue is praised for its wit.

Kirkus Reviews notes that 'The Golden Age' is quite talky and sometimes labors to connect with earlier books in the series. Despite this, the dialogue is wonderfully witty and engaging. The review suggests that while the book may have its flaws, it is still a compelling read due to Vidal's sharp writing and historical insights. The narrative's focus on dialogue and character interactions is particularly highlighted as a strength.

Quick quotes

    It's all very talky, and creaks and groans noticeably whenever Vidal makes labored connections to earlier books in the series.

    Still, the talk is wonderfully witty and engaging, making the book a compelling read.

    The narrative's focus on dialogue and character interactions is particularly highlighted as a strength.

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