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  Tom Wolfe, 'Right Stuff' author (1931-2018) (Page 1)

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Author Topic:   Tom Wolfe, 'Right Stuff' author (1931-2018)
cspg
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posted 05-15-2018 10:58 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for cspg   Click Here to Email cspg     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Author of "The Right Stuff" died today (May 15).
Tom Wolfe, an innovative journalist and novelist whose technicolor, wildly punctuated prose brought to life the worlds of California surfers, car customizers, astronauts and Manhattans moneyed status-seekers in works like "The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby," "The Right Stuff" and "Bonfire of the Vanities," died on Monday in a Manhattan hospital. He was 88.

His death was confirmed by his agent, Lynn Nesbit, who said Mr. Wolfe had been hospitalized with an infection. He had lived in New York since joining The New York Herald Tribune as a reporter in 1962.

Robert Pearlman
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collectSPACE
Tom Wolfe, captured early astronaut ethos in 'The Right Stuff,' dies at 88

Tom Wolfe, whose 1979 book "The Right Stuff" chronicled the high-flying adventures of the first U.S. astronauts, has died at the age of 88.

A celebrated journalist and best-selling author, Wolfe had been hospitalized for an infection when he died on Monday (May 14), according to the New York Times, citing his long-time literary agent.

"I'm saddened to hear of the passing of legendary author Tom Wolfe," wrote Jim Bridenstine, NASA Administrator, on Twitter on Tuesday. "'The Right Stuff' was an inspiration to me and millions of others. He will be missed."

NeilPearson
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Grounded!
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Kite
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minipci
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GACspaceguy
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fredtrav
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dom
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I only finished reading "The Right Stuff" last week for the first time in years. A brilliant read that gets better with age.

Godspeed to a great writer.

ea757grrl
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wickball
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Rick Mulheirn
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alcyone
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Kevin T. Randall
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Ian Limbrey
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capoetc
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dss65
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Panther494
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Re-watched "The Right Stuff" movie last weekend. Still loved every minute. RIP

star51L
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mode1charlie
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Michael Davis
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Larry McGlynn
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328KF
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Kevmac
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I met Tom Wolfe at an Austin, Texas book festival several years ago after his large illustrated "The Right Stuff" version came out. I stood in line a long time waiting to get it signed but was rewarded with the most unique and coolest autograph I've ever seen.

Skylon
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The New York Times published a piece by Scott Kelly about Wolfe's impact on his life and career. I laughed out loud that Wolfe responded with surprise that Kelly was inspired to be a test pilot — even after reading the first few chapters.

YankeeClipper
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So everyone rode hell-for-leather for the top of the next hill, and never mind the ordinary precautions...

That was the spirit of the hour—ride! más allá! over the next hill! don't look back!

Whenever I think of experimental aircraft contrailing at high altitude in blue skies, these lines from "The Right Stuff" always come to mind.

Gilbert
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Aztecdoug
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posted 05-18-2018 11:44 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Aztecdoug   Click Here to Email Aztecdoug     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Tom wrote "The Pumphouse Gang," the title piece in a collection of short stories, about a beach community where I grew up. While it was before my time some of the old timers recall when he was there inciting some of the incidents that he in turn wrote about and presented as naturally occurring behaviors.

Interesting having grown up under that umbrella and then catching him on the flipside, later on in life via, "The Right Stuff."

Last coincidence, I enjoyed about his writing, was a scene in the, "Electric Kool Aid Acid Test." He wrote of a party in the Bay area where I believe, if I recall correctly, an up and coming band called the Grateful Dead was playing. By coincidence I vaguely recall reading of the same party being described by Dr. Hunter S. Thompson in his book titled, "Hells Angels." A fine contrast was presented in their two viewpoints on life.

Too bad, say what you will about his adherence to facts, he made reading interesting, and that is what it is all about.

RIP


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