The Gay Place

Summary

Since its 1961 publication, Billy Lee Brammer's book inspired by Lyndon B. Johnson has gained a cult following. It has been praised by the New York Times, Gore Vidal, and Larry King, and has been ranked alongside All the King's Men as one of the great American political novels. Brammer, who served on Lyndon Johnson's staff, uses his knowledge as a political insider to show the good and the bad of politics. Three interlocking tales each feature a different protagonist-a state legislator, a junior senator, and the governor's press secretary-and illuminate the figure of Arthur 'Goddam' Fenstemaker, a master politician and the governor of Texas. Considered a ruthless, exuberant politician, Fenstemaker works for the ultimate good of the people, even though he often employs questionable methods. After receiving glowing critical acclaim for The Gay Place, Brammer was unable to write another novel praised so highly. Consequently, this novel stands alone in its portrayal of Texas-and American-politics. "[A] classic American political [novel] ... stunning, original, intensely human ... It will be read a hundred years from now."-New York Times Book Review