How Norman Mailer Changed the Face of Biography

In his Spectator article, “How Norman Mailer Changed the Face of Biography,” Society member Robert Dean Lurie examines Mailer’s unconventional approach to biographical writing. Lurie highlights how Mailer’s works, such as Marilyn and Oswald’s Tale, blend speculative insights with narrative flair, offering readers a unique, almost novelistic perspective on his subjects. This method, which Lurie describes as “method biography,” showcases Mailer’s talent for immersing himself into the lives of others, providing a depth that traditional biographies often lack. Lurie argues that Mailer’s innovative style has left a lasting impact on the genre, challenging future biographers to adopt a more immersive and introspective approach.