This brief biography on Truman Capote focuses on the author's turbulent childhood, and how these experiences influenced his literary gifts of lucid imagery and profound empathy for his characters. Long, a noted writer and book critic, uses explicit themes in Capote's prose to underline the writer's propensity for self-destructive behaviors. At the same time this book, written for enthusiasts of literary criticism and general audiences, never veers from the essential talents of the writer. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)