The lighter side of pain
O'Rourke offers opinion on economy, politics
J.P. Welch, '11
Issue date: 3/25/09 Section: Arts & Opinion
Upon taking the lectern, author and Washington and Lee University graduate Tom Wolfe confessed, "It's hard for me to express my emotions about this series, except to say that it makes me feel…posthumous."
The excited buzz echoing through Lee Chapel was quickly hushed when Wolfe and fellow literary giant P.J. O'Rourke took their seats on the podium.
Their arrival kicked off the sixth annual Tom Wolfe Weekend Seminar sponsored by Wolfe's 1951 graduating class and named in his honor. The seminar, held March 27-28, was entitled "The Lighter Side of Pain: What's Up with Our Global Economy?" and also included a series of lectures and panel discussions on that topic.
Wolfe was unmistakable as always, adorned in his trademark white suit, complimented by a white watch, white glasses, and two-toned shoes. Wolfe revealed that the aura of the suit actually evolved from practicality, when he began wearing it in the 1960s simply as a warmer set of clothes for the winter. When he saw that it was starting to annoy people, he said, "It made getting dressed up that much more fun." The mystique of the white suit has not yet worn off.
Indeed, Wolfe's life has become almost legendary. He has chronicled the state of American society for over three decades and is globally recognized as the foremost social commentator of our time. Commonly referred to as "The Father of New Journalism," for his style of mixing investigative reporting with a narrative prose, he has authored or edited over a dozen books and novels, including four national best sellers, and has won numerous awards.
Wolfe's counterpart on the podium? No less than "the funniest writer in America," as proclaimed by Time Magazine and The Wall Street Journal. O'Rourke is the best-selling author of twelve books, including "Parliament of Whores," "Give War a Chance," and "Eat the Rich," and has written for a number of diverse publications. The seminar may have had Wolfe's name on it, but O'Rourke, former editor-in-chief of The National Lampoon who has also worked as a foreign correspondent covering news in over 70 countries, was not overshadowed.
The excited buzz echoing through Lee Chapel was quickly hushed when Wolfe and fellow literary giant P.J. O'Rourke took their seats on the podium.
Their arrival kicked off the sixth annual Tom Wolfe Weekend Seminar sponsored by Wolfe's 1951 graduating class and named in his honor. The seminar, held March 27-28, was entitled "The Lighter Side of Pain: What's Up with Our Global Economy?" and also included a series of lectures and panel discussions on that topic.
Wolfe was unmistakable as always, adorned in his trademark white suit, complimented by a white watch, white glasses, and two-toned shoes. Wolfe revealed that the aura of the suit actually evolved from practicality, when he began wearing it in the 1960s simply as a warmer set of clothes for the winter. When he saw that it was starting to annoy people, he said, "It made getting dressed up that much more fun." The mystique of the white suit has not yet worn off.
Indeed, Wolfe's life has become almost legendary. He has chronicled the state of American society for over three decades and is globally recognized as the foremost social commentator of our time. Commonly referred to as "The Father of New Journalism," for his style of mixing investigative reporting with a narrative prose, he has authored or edited over a dozen books and novels, including four national best sellers, and has won numerous awards.
Wolfe's counterpart on the podium? No less than "the funniest writer in America," as proclaimed by Time Magazine and The Wall Street Journal. O'Rourke is the best-selling author of twelve books, including "Parliament of Whores," "Give War a Chance," and "Eat the Rich," and has written for a number of diverse publications. The seminar may have had Wolfe's name on it, but O'Rourke, former editor-in-chief of The National Lampoon who has also worked as a foreign correspondent covering news in over 70 countries, was not overshadowed.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
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posted 5/18/10 @ 7:38 AM EST
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