Celebrating Edmund White: Writers Reflect on a Literary Trailblazer

Author of “Less Is Lost”

Edmund White served as my college thesis advisor, a guiding light as a gay writer, and a close friend. Often called the Cole Porter of literature, he was a brilliant author who brought a mischievous sparkle to every gathering. His conversations effortlessly blended witty gossip from French society, art history insights, and sharp literary commentary. While many countries still celebrate versatile writers skilled in criticism, theater, fiction, biography, and memoir, this tradition has largely faded in the United States. Edmund White may have been the last great practitioner of that art.

Author of “Things in Nature Merely Grow”

Over the past eight years, Edmund and I developed a close friendship. During difficult times, including the loss of my two children, he was a compassionate and steadfast presence. At the start of the pandemic, we created a two-person book club, meeting every weekday evening via Skype. Together, we explored roughly between 80 and 120 books. Far from being heavy or dull, our discussions were filled with laughter and lively gossip—about writers, historical figures, and characters from literature. Occasionally, he would share candid and vivid recollections of gay life, both past and recent. Nearly every conversation ended in shared laughter. I will deeply miss his sharp humor, vast knowledge, and, above all, his unique companionship.

Author of “The Marriage Plot”

It can be argued that Edmund White pioneered autofiction, coining the term well before it gained popularity. What set his work apart was its remarkable honesty and lack of shame at a time when such openness was rare. His charm made even the most intimate and revealing details feel like private confessions between friends. White’s originality stemmed less from stylistic flair and more from his raw material—the deeply personal and obsessive story of his youth.

Author of “The Town of Babylon”

Though I exchanged only a few letters with Edmund, I eagerly anticipated each reply as one might await lottery results. His writing was simultaneously dazzling, sensuous, compassionate, humorous, and heartbreaking. He was a literary icon who awakened both mind and body, granting permission to explore identity and desire. It was gratifying to see Edmund receive recognition during his lifetime, though I often wondered why his acclaim was not more widespread. I suspect lingering homophobia within the literary world and society at large played a role, despite his efforts to challenge it.

Author of “Mothers and Sons”

Edmund White was a pioneering voice in gay literature, boldly addressing male sexuality at a time when few dared to do so. His candidness, expressed across elegiac, ecstatic, and documentary styles, opened doors for countless younger writers, myself included. I vividly recall discovering “A Boy’s Own Story” as a teenager in a London bookstore, cautiously buying it for fear the cover image might reveal my secret. Yet it was the crystal-clear beauty of his prose that truly captivated me. That book taught me that desire and artistry are not separate impulses—they can be one and the same.