I remember reading about Capote’s Black and White Ball back in the 90s and being totally fascinated! In 2006, Vanity Fair contributor, Amy Collins, wrote a detailed overview of the party of the century and once again the whole affair just fascinated me.

The story builds on Capote’s rise as an esteemed and intriguing individual who’s novel, “In Cold Blood” created a new genre. His almost pathological desire to have a collection of beautiful high society women and become a trusted confidante in their world speaks to Capote’s charm and ability to fit in anywhere. He seemed to be a natural at finding commonality with people and then gaining their trust. Unfortunately, for his Swans, they found out too late that their heartache was great story fodder for Capote.

But I digress. In this telling of Capote’s Black and White bal masqué, we are introduced to his wealthy socialite Swans, CZ Guest, Gloria Guinness, Babe Paley, Marella Agnelli, Slim Keith. At times they seem quite interchangeable and appeared to be just another acquisition for their wealthy husbands to own. Capote just had enormous success with “In Cold Blood” and saw a way to parlay that into a party that celebrated him. Although he used the façade of honoring Kay Graham, it felt like the party was more about his power over a high brow society that were only allowing him temporary entrance over a party honoring Kay.

Those 500+ people who received an invitation in some ways reminded me of today’s social influencers. Individuals with whom the everyday person wants to emulate, trying to grasp a part of their world.

Capote’s history and build up to the party took up most of the story. The description of the party itself was described in the last 30 pages. Reading about the women’s elaborate hair styles, the dresses, and the masks – not just the women’s masks but the men’s as well. See Billy Baldwin’s dramatic unicorn mask! Wish there were more photos of the party itself, but the overall novel provides a nice overview of Capote, the party, the participants, and the atmosphere.

Capote was a master in creating social hype, publicity, and illusion and it was reflected in the almost desperate need for society to be invited to his party. Reading the afterwards about how some guests felt the party wasn’t all that seemed to have not realized that it was a party that celebrated a lifestyle of debutants and socialites that was soon to disappear. "Yet is has never been questioned that his Black and White Ball was the party of the century," p. 260.

Great read and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in the 60s and/or fashion history.

I'm still fascinated by Capote and his Black and White Ball.

Growing up in the 60's, I don't remember hearing or reading about Mr. Capote's party but most of the events and a lot of the people written about, I do remember. This is a gossipy but entertaining look at a period of our history which was a precursor to our obsession with "celebrities" that exists in our culture today.

Mmm mmm mmm, look what money make somebody do.
Definitely understand the idea of ‘Era Envy’ and I love the notes and appendix at the end of the story.

Sometimes, you just need some gossipy history. And that's exactly what this is: lots of name dropping, but also lots of context-setting. Another example of a moment in time that probably can never be repeated.

I just wish there were a few more pictures!

This book is a riveting snapshot of a particular moment in time and a particular set of "beautiful people". The care, thought, obsessiveness, and cash Capote put into staging his spectacle at the Plaza are just unbelievable, and really rather tragic when you realize that his life went completely downhill once it was over. If you enjoy catty gossip about 1960s socialites and movie stars as much as I do, you'll probably like this book.

It takes a character like Truman Capote to conceive and execute an event so fabulous that it's known as the party of all parties. He lavished the same attention and dedication that he brought to his writing to planning and hosting the Black and White Dance at that Plaza. Davis transports the reader to this glamorous and glittering time. The famous masked ball is the centerpiece of the story, but it's really a wonderfully written story that encompasses much of Truman's career and relationships. You read her words and become part of the elegant, famous and ultra-wealthy NYC high society. It's especially fun because it wasn't so long ago and so you are familiar with many of the characters and get a glimpse of them in their youth.