Reaction to the death of Tom Wolfe

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Some reaction to the death of journalist and author Tom Wolfe.

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“He was an incredible writer. And you couldn’t imitate him. When people tried it was a disaster. They should have gotten a job at a butcher’s shop.” — Gay Talese, in an interview.

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“What I hope people know about him is that he was a sweet and generous man. Not just a great writer but a great soul. He didn’t just help me to become a writer. He did it with pleasure.” — Michael Lewis, in an email.

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“Tom Wolfe has died. His work changed my life and convinced me to write nonfiction. Fare thee well, Tom.” — Susan Orlean, via Twitter.

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“RIP Tom Wolfe a gentleman, a first-rate writer, and a great interview. I spoke with him several times and enjoyed every meeting. I read his work voraciously in my 20s and he was critical in helping me learn how to write. He will be missed.” — Toure via Twitter.

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“So sad to hear of Tom Wolfe’s passing. What a talent! One of a kind. One of the kindest, most delightful people I’ve ever met, ever interviewed. RIP.” — Laura Ingraham, via Twitter.

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“RIP the peerless Tom Wolfe. How I shall miss that swirling script on the handwritten notes, the flair of your white suit entering a room! Wish we could have read you on the Met Ball. You were the best of the best.” — Tina Brown, via Twitter.

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“It’s important to stress that Wolfe came on the scene when the writing style of published works was tightly controlled by a small cadre of editors & assorted gatekeepers. You simply weren’t allowed to write in the “anything goes” manner that is now everywhere on the web.” — Ted Gioia, via Twitter.