Gore Vidal: Reflecting on the life of a cultural icon

Described as one of the great cultural icons of the 20th century, novelist and essayist Gore Vidal passed away aged 86.

Known for his forthright views on everything from politics to morality, the American's passing was met with a wave of tributes from around globe.

Reflecting on his impact and life was Alan Taylor from the Sunday Herald who was a friend of Mr Vidal.

Mr Taylor gave us an insight into sharing the company of the renowned wit.

He said: "He was a great contrarian, a great arguer you had to be on your metal when you shared a room with Gore Vidal, you couldn't say anything lazy.

"I remember putting someone next to him at a dinner table and they asked if he was happy and he stomped out because her inane remarks were not worthy of him

"But I was just thinking if he was here now he probably wouldn't have resisted the tempation to appear on television.

"He always said you should never resist the tmptaiton to appear on television or have sex."

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